A LaPorte man was arrested early Sunday morning on charges of operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana following a traffic stop on U.S. 31.
According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, a deputy stopped a 2016 gray Kia Soul for traffic violations on U.S. 31 at 12th Road at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 15th.
During the stop, the deputy determined that the driver, 33-year-old James T. Birgans III of LaPorte, had been drinking. Birgans agreed to perform field sobriety tests and submit to a certified chemical test. Following the testing, Birgans was found to be intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .10%, which is above Indiana's legal limit of .08%. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Birgans was booked for operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana, and held on a and $1,500 cash bond

All charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Unemployment in southeastern Illinois rises in May
Lawrence County (Illinois) man dies from fireworks accident
Wabash General Hospital recognized among hospitals patients would highly recommend
IDOT warns of pavement failures during hot weather
Lawrence County Veterans Commission formation moves forward
Lawrence County Jail temporarily closed
Valentine trial motion hearing held
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program
Know your fireworks laws, safety this holiday season
LCMH receives recognition from American Heart Association program
New dean announced at Vincennes University
NWS issues weather upgrade
Indiana 211 has information on community cooling centers
