Warsaw Man Arrested On Multiple Charges After Alleged Hit and Run
Staff Report
WARSAW – A Warsaw man was arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence and resisting law enforcement.
Luis Gomez
Luis Gomez, 23, 915 E. Garfield St., Warsaw, is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and knowingly or intentionally operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license, both class C misdemeanors; leaving the scene of an accident, a class B misdemeanor; operating a motor vehicle without receiving a license with a prior conviction and resisting law enforcement, both class A misdemeanors; and resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and operating a vehicle with an ACE of .08 or more with a prior conviction, both level 6 felonies.
On Nov. 1, Kosciusko County dispatch advised that a driver had struck an unoccupied vehicle at an apartment complex in Warsaw and left the scene. The suspect driver, later identified as Gomez, allegedly had an alcoholic beverage in his hand, and had returned to the apartment complex later on. Two Warsaw Police officers responded, only to have Gomez speed away in his vehicle from one of the officers.
According to court documents, the officer activated his emergency lights, and Gomez refused to stop, traveling at 80 mph through Warsaw while disregarding stop signs.
When Gomez eventually stopped the vehicle, he fled on foot. Officers located Gomez and told him to get on the ground, but Gomez fled again. Once officers caught Gomez, he was handcuffed and placed in custody. An officer detected the odor of alcohol on Gomez, who also had red, watery eyes. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered open containers of alcohol inside.
An Indiana State Police trooper helped to administer sobriety tests, which Gomez failed. On the portable breath test, Gomez tested .172, more than twice the legal limit.
Gomez was previously convicted of OWI and operating while never licensed on Jan. 9, 2024. Gomez’s driving status showed he was unlicensed, and no valid license was located.
He has been arrested and has posted bail. Gomez’s initial hearing is at 1 p.m. Dec. 16.