LAWRENCE COUNTY – A Orleans man was arrested on Thursday, October 17, after being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident that left his Chevrolet Equinox overturned.
Daniel Dee Johnson, 44, of Orleans, faces multiple charges, including operating a motor vehicle while suspended, operating while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content over 0.15, and operating while intoxicated with endangerment.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Thomas Porter of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, authorities were dispatched to the intersection of Parks Implement Road and State Road 37, where the accident had occurred. Upon arrival, they found Johnson’s vehicle flipped upside down. Firefighters at the scene reported that Johnson was attempting to retrieve items from the vehicle’s console.
Johnson explained to Officer Porter that he had been cut off by a white Chevrolet sedan, which prompted him to swerve sharply to avoid a collision. This maneuver caused his vehicle to roll over.
During the interaction, Officer Porter noted the strong odor of alcohol on Johnson’s breath, corroborated by statements from the firefighters. Johnson’s eyes were also described as glossy and bloodshot. Despite being offered medical attention, Johnson declined transport by emergency medical services.
Officer Porter proceeded to interview witnesses, who confirmed seeing Johnson’s vehicle roll over but did not witness the events leading up to the crash. After declining medical treatment, Johnson voluntarily disclosed that he anticipated being taken to jail due to his suspended license, a fact confirmed by Officer Porter.
When asked to participate in a portable breath test, Johnson complied, and the results indicated the presence of alcohol. Officer Porter then conducted a field sobriety test, specifically the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which revealed indicators of impairment.
Due to a reported medical condition—sciatic nerve problems—Johnson was not subjected to additional field sobriety tests. He was later transported to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, where a certified breath test indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.225.
After receiving medical clearance at IU Health Bedford, Johnson was taken to the Lawrence County Security Center and subsequently incarcerated.
The affidavit includes additional evidence, such as an OWI affidavit and body camera footage documenting the incident. Johnson is now facing serious charges that underscore the risks associated with impaired driving and operating a vehicle with a suspended license.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
