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.
Suspect charged with kidnapping after 3-month-old recovered safely in multi-agency operation
3-month-old infant safely recovered in Merrillville following Marshall County Abduction Alert
3-month-old infant safely recovered in Merrillville following Marshall County Abduction Alert
Plymouth Community Schools implements bell-to-bell cell phone ban beginning this fall
Plymouth Police make 3 traffic-related arrests over Independence Day weekend
Marshall County Deputy locates stolen vehicle, arrests driver on drug and license charges
Marshall County Commissioners face public pushback over Automated License Plate Reader Cameras
Potawatomi Wildlife Park invites community to overnight campout this Friday
