Marshall County Deputies arrest 2 impaired drivers in separate OWI incidents

Two drivers were arrested on impaired driving charges in separate incidents last week, according to the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

On Wednesday, August 26, at approximately 9:28 p.m., the Marshall County Sheriff's Department received a call regarding a possibly impaired motorist traveling southbound on U.S. 31 from the area of Tyler Road. Deputies responded and located the suspected vehicle, conducting a traffic stop.

During the investigation, it was determined that the driver, 30-year-old Travis D. Maclain of Rochester, was intoxicated. Maclain was arrested and lodged in the Marshall County Jail for operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction within seven years and operating while intoxicated — endangering. His bond was set at $1,500. The Marshall County Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Argos Police Department.

Two days later, on Friday, August 28, at approximately 11:08 a.m., Marshall County Dispatch broadcast a report of a possible impaired or unsafe driver traveling northbound on State Road 17 from 15th Road. Officers responded and located the vehicle on State Road 17 near Quince Road, where a traffic stop was initiated.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver, 48-year-old Stephen Louis Lorencz, of North Judson, was operating a motor vehicle after being adjudged a habitual traffic violator. Lorencz was also exhibiting signs of alcohol intoxication. He was transported to the Marshall County Jail and charged with operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .15% or more, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated — endangering, and habitual traffic violator. His bond was set at $1,500.

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.