Police Say Winona Lake Man Resists, Operates While Drunk
WARSAW — Police report that a Winona Lake man became combative after officers found him drunk at an accident scene.
Brendt Lewis Smith, 59, 1100 West Canal St., Winona Lake, is charged with battery to a law enforcement officer, a level 6 felony; intimidation of a law enforcement officer, a level 6 felony; resisting law enforcement, a level 6 felony; and operating while intoxicated, a class C misdemeanor. Smith booked in the Kosciusko County Jail and later released on $700 cash bond. He is scheduled for an initial hearing Nov. 19 at 1 p.m.
According to police, officers responded to a stopped vehicle at the intersection of East Center Street and Lake City Highway on Nov. 2. When officers arrived, several vehicles were stopped and police say they observed Smith walking around and reported that he was stumbling, exhibiting poor balance and slurred speech. Officers reported Smith’s eyes were red and police say the smell of alcohol emanated from Smith’s vehicle.
According to police, Smith said his vehicle was struck by a semi tractor. Police said Smith admitted to drinking a few beers but added that witnesses reported Smith caused the crash by disregarding a traffic signal at the intersection. Police said that Smith got back into his vehicle, but was requested to exit the vehicle and had to be forcibly removed when he refused the officers’ orders.
When officers were removing Smith, the report said Smith kicked one of the officers and refused to submit to a certified chemical test. Smith was sent to Kosciusko Community Hospital and a search warrant was obtained for Smith’s blood, which had to be removed by force from officers and hospital staff. During the blood draw, Smith attempted to kick and strike officers and told one of the officers he was going to kill him.