Michael Stinfer

UPDATE: Michael Stinfer turned himself in to the Kosciusko County Jail this afternoon. He was booked on a felony OWI charge and has already posted the $15,000 bond.

INITIAL REPORT: Michael Stinfer, the independent candidate for Indiana House District 22, is wanted for a felony charge of drunk driving.

A warrant for Stinfer, 34, was issued Tuesday in Kosciusko County for an Aug. 16 traffic stop in which Stinfer was allegedly driving under the influence. According to information provided to StaceyPageOnline.com, Stinfer was stopped the night of Aug. 16 in Warsaw because a headlight on his vehicle was not working. The officer noted a smell of alcohol on his breath and a chemical test was ordered.

According to court records this is not Stinfer’s first OWI charge. He was arrested in Elkhart County on April 26 and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and endangering a person, and operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, Class A and C misdemeanors.

The warrant issued in Kosciusko County yesterday are for a single Class C misdemeanor charge of operating while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more and a Level 6 felony for the same charge. In Indiana, a second OWI after conviction is automatically considered a felony.

Stinfer, who is running for political office against Republican Curt Nisly and Democrat David Kolbe, was contacted for comment. The following statement was released by his campaign:

“I was taken to the hospital for a blood alcohol test on Aug. 15. The results of the test showed elevated blood alcohol levels. I had been stopped outside a family member’s home due to a headlight being out on my vehicle.

“I take responsibility for my actions, and would like to apologize to the community. I did not carelessly put anyone at risk. I was having drinks on a Friday when later fireworks went off in the neighborhood, which led to a flashback. I have previously been diagnosed with Post Combat Stress, also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. I am not proud of this. Unfortunately, for those that deal with PTSD, there is a stigma associated. I did not want that to be of concern. 

“I failed to initially share that I wasn’t using alcohol to cope with the stress. I thought bombs were going off and drove to my grandmother’s house. I don’t enjoy sharing these details. Most wouldn’t, but I understand it is necessary after what happened. I am seeking additional counsel from the VA, and intend to continue in the race. I am sorry for my actions. I am far from perfect, but I am willing to take responsibility publicly as well as privately, and make it right.”