Drunk Driver Calls 911 on Herself After Wrong-Way Journey in Indiana

A 42-year-old woman from Illinois was arrested after she reportedly called 911 to report herself while driving drunk and heading the wrong way on Interstate 65 near Jasper County, Indiana. Meisha Thomas allegedly made erratic phone calls to dispatchers at around 1:30 a.m., indicating that she had been drinking heavily.

Indiana State Police tracked her cellphone signal and located her vehicle traveling southbound on I-65 despite being in the wrong direction. The car was observed swerving between lanes, impeding traffic, and causing other drivers to brake suddenly or take evasive action. When a trooper attempted to pull over Thomas's vehicle, it initially continued moving before eventually stopping in the left lane.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noted that Thomas exhibited signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, and an odor of alcohol emanating from her person. She admitted to having recently departed a casino in Gary, Indiana, but was heading towards Chicago, driving approximately 36 miles in the wrong direction.

Due to her apparent inability to safely complete field sobriety tests and her refusal to comply with Indiana's implied consent law for blood testing, investigators secured a warrant for a blood draw. This procedure was carried out at a local hospital.

In addition to the DUI charges, Thomas is also facing battery against a public safety official after she allegedly made repeated sexual advances towards the arresting trooper during their interaction. According to police reports, Thomas attempted to kiss the officer while he was securing her in a seat belt and continued making kissing gestures and suggestive remarks despite being instructed multiple times to cease such behavior.

Thomas has been booked into the Jasper County Jail pending further legal proceedings. The incident highlights the dangers posed by intoxicated drivers and the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with individuals under the influence who also exhibit inappropriate conduct towards officers.

The case underscores the importance of public safety measures like sobriety checkpoints and the need for strict penalties to deter such reckless behavior on highways, which can endanger not only the driver but also other motorists.