A semi truck driver was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after his vehicle rolled over into a ditch on State Road 1 in DeKalb County, Indiana, Sunday evening. The crash occurred around 7:40 p.m. in the 4900 block of SR 1, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators report the semi truck was traveling southbound along State Road 1 when it left the roadway and overturned into a ditch, trapping the driver inside the cab. Emergency responders from the Concord Fire Department arrived at the scene and successfully extricated the driver from the overturned vehicle. Emergency medical services personnel attempted to provide medical treatment at the scene, but the driver refused care.

Following his rescue, deputies observed signs of impairment and took the driver into custody. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail, where an OWI investigation is underway. Despite the severity of the rollover crash and the driver becoming trapped, no serious injuries were reported in the incident.

Location and Infrastructure

State Road 1 is a significant north-south corridor running through DeKalb County in northeastern Indiana, connecting communities throughout the region. The 4900 block where this crash occurred is situated in a rural stretch of the highway characterized by agricultural land and open terrain. Rural state routes like SR 1 present particular challenges for commercial vehicle operators, including narrower shoulders, drainage ditches adjacent to the roadway, and limited lighting during evening hours.

DeKalb County, located along the Indiana-Ohio border, sees regular commercial truck traffic as part of the broader regional transportation network. The combination of rural road conditions and nighttime driving requires heightened attention from all motorists, particularly those operating large commercial vehicles that require greater stopping distances and are more susceptible to rollover incidents when leaving the roadway.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana law treats operating while intoxicated as a serious offense, with enhanced penalties when commercial vehicles are involved. Under Indiana Code 9-30-5, OWI charges can result in license suspension, fines, and potential incarceration. Commercial drivers face additional consequences under federal regulations, including potential disqualification from holding a commercial driver's license.

Parties affected by crashes involving impaired drivers may have grounds to pursue compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages through insurance claims or civil litigation. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, and the state maintains a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. Those involved in accidents with commercial vehicles should document all damages thoroughly and consider consulting with a qualified attorney to understand their legal options.

Related Resources

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Department: (260) 925-3505
• Concord Fire Department: Local emergency services for the SR 1 corridor
• DeKalb County EMS: Emergency medical response
• Indiana State Police – Fort Wayne Post: (260) 432-8661
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Information on driving records and license status
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety Division: Resources on impaired driving prevention
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana: Support services for crash victims
• Indiana Code Title 9 – Motor Vehicles: State traffic laws and regulations available at iga.in.gov