Press Release

Alex J. Kincaid

COLUMBIA CITY — An Ohio man heading to a family funeral in Columbia City was arrested in Whitley County for driving while intoxicated.

Early in the morning on Friday, Feb. 10, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Todd Reed was patrolling on SR 9, just north of Columbia City.

Around 9:30 a.m. he saw a Honda passenger vehicle traveling south on SR 9 near CR 500N at 77 mph, where the speed limit is posted as 55 mph.

During the course of the subsequent traffic stop, Trooper Reed would learn the family of five — which included the driver, his pregnant wife, and their two children, ages 3 and 15 months — were headed to attend a family funeral service in Columbia City. Also during the course of the traffic stop, Trooper Reed quickly detected the driver, Alex J. Kincaid, 31, Akron, Ohio, was exhibiting very obvious physical indications commonly associated with alcohol impairment.

As per routine investigatory practice, Trooper Reed conducted a battery of Standard Field Sobriety Tests at the roadside. During that testing, Kincaid was alleged to have tossed an item of contraband off into the side ditch. Trooper Reed recovered the item and discovered it was a vaping device containing a suspected THC liquid. Kincaid was taken into custody and to the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department for further investigation. Kincaid’s wife, who was completely sober, was released from the traffic stop with her children.

At the WCSD, Trooper Reed administered a chemical breath test to Kincaid. That test found a breath alcohol concentration of 0.21, which is nearly three times the legal limit in Indiana.

Trooper Reed arrested Kincaid and then had him booked into custody at the Whitley County Jail on several related charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated with passengers under the age of 18 and obstruction of justice, both level 6 felonies; and operating while intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or more and possession of a controlled substance, both class A misdemeanors.

Trooper Reed was assisted in this investigation by several troopers from the Fort Wayne Post.

It goes without saying this situation could have easily resulted in a different outcome for a family that was already mourning the loss of a loved one. ISP continually reminds and encourages all Hoosiers to drive responsibly. Always have a designated sober driver before hitting the road, especially when there is precious cargo onboard.