LaPaz man arrested for public intoxication at Centennial Park

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

A 37-year-old LaPaz man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after police found him drinking alcohol in the men's restroom at Centennial Park.

Plymouth Police officers were dispatched to Centennial Park at 4:38 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6th, following a report of a male sitting in the men's bathroom near the wooden playground, drinking alcohol and possibly using drugs.

When Officer Fisher arrived on scene, he found the male sitting on the floor of the restroom with an open alcohol can on the floor nearby. The officer attempted to make contact, but the man was slow to open the bathroom stall door. When he did, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the man.

The individual, identified as Coty James, 37, of LaPaz, denied that he had been drinking, despite several additional empty alcohol cans found in the trash next to him. James told the officer that he was unable to drink at home, so he had gone to the park instead.

James was arrested for public intoxication and transported to the Marshall County Jail. A portable breath test administered at the scene registered a blood alcohol content of .198. He is currently being held on a $250 cash bond.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.