At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5th, a Plymouth Police officer conducted a traffic stop on Madison Street east of Michigan Street after a vehicle failed to yield.
The driver, Christopher J. Vitale, 41, of E. Monroe Street in Plymouth, was determined to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked on an operating while intoxicated charge.
Just over an hour later, at 12:26 a.m. on Saturday, December 6th, Officer Lovely was dispatched to Monroe and Fifth Streets for a report of an impaired driver.
Upon arrival, the officer observed a person running from a suspected truck into a nearby house.
During the investigation, Officer Lovely identified the driver as Joshua Costilla, 37, of Monroe Street.
According to the police report, Costilla failed field sobriety testing. A certified chemical test showed his blood alcohol level to be .152 percent—nearly twice the legal limit of .08 percent.
Costilla was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked on multiple charges:
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction (Level 6 felony)
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated above .15 BAC (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)
The felony charge stems from Costilla having a prior OWI conviction on his record.
Both suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges are allegations based on probable cause, and they are entitled to legal representation and a trial by jury, at which the State must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Southwestern Indiana farmer elected ICMC president
Illinois winter weather rule in effect for utilities
Lawrence County Board discusses energy grant
New OCC Health Professions Center dedication set
Farm Bureau receives award
Counterfeit money found across southeastern Illinois
Lawrence County meth dealer sentenced to 15+ years’ imprisonment
IDPH releases hepatitis vaccination statement
Illinois Sheriffs Association supports SAFE-T Act revisions
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags to half-staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Local fire department gets new equipment
100% of Keystone Cooperative member profits returned to farmer-members
Former area newspaper owners ordered to pay in conspiracy case
Niles Scream Park raises more than $153,300 for local groups
Three arrested by Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
Lawrence County Chamber honors several at annual banquet
