Reckless driving through storm damage led to an arrest Thursday evening.
A Rockville Police Department officer observed a truck traveling east on U.S. Highway 36 at more than 90 miles per hour in a posted 55-mph zone. According to the report from the Rockville Police Department, the driver committed multiple traffic violations and continued accelerating while widespread storm damage—including downed trees, power lines, and roadway debris—that created hazardous driving conditions throughout Parke County. The officer initiated a traffic stop near the top of Red Bud Hill on US Highway 36.
During the investigation, the report indicates officers observed indicators of alcohol impairment and administered standardized field sobriety tests. The driver, Douglas Ray Pharr II, 44, was arrested on preliminary allegations of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in a manner that endangered a person and reckless driving. Preliminary testing indicated an alcohol concentration exceeding twice the legal limit.
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