(SULLIVAN CO.) – Tuesday at approximately 3 p.m., Indiana Trooper Nick Hatfield was off-duty and driving his issued patrol car on US 41 near the Knox and Sullivan county line when he overhead Sullivan County Dispatch alert area officers about a possible ongoing domestic situation between a male driver and a female passenger in a 2000 Saturn that were traveling south on US 41 near County Road 300 South.
Multiple motorists reported the male and female were arguing and the male was driving erratic. Another caller reported the vehicle had stopped south of Carlisle and the female had attempted to get out before the vehicle continued south again on US 41.
Trooper Hatfield observed the vehicle on US 41 near County Road 975 South. The driver started to turn onto a county road but made an unsafe lane movement to continue south on US 41. Trooper Hatfield activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop.
The driver was 28-year-old Dusty Perry, of Bloomington.
An on-scene investigation concluded the domestic situation was only verbal and no physical battery occurred between Perry and his female passenger.
During the investigation Perry showed signs of impairment, but he refused to submit to a chemical test. Perry was also driving on a suspended driver’s license.
A search warrant was obtained and a blood sample was taken from Perry. Toxicology is pending.
Perry was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and driving while his driver’s license was suspended. He was transported to the Sullivan County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.
Arresting during the arrest was ISP Trooper Nick Hatfield.
