An Indiana State Police trooper arrested a Jeffersonville man Tuesday night after a traffic stop on Interstate 265 revealed he was allegedly driving impaired with a 1-month-old infant in the vehicle.
Trooper Brandon Love stopped a vehicle driven by Garrett Smeloksy, 33, of Jeffersonville, around 9:30 p.m. November 18 near the I-265 10th Street Exit for failing to yield to emergency vehicles working a crash and for speeding.
Smeloksy’s vehicle allegedly sped past Troopers Love and Wolfe as well as the wrecker driver as they were working a car versus deer crash in the median of I-265 just east of I-65.
Indiana’s move over law requires drivers to either change lanes to an adjacent lane or slow down to 10 mph below the speed limit if they cannot change lanes safely when passing any stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road.
This applies to emergency vehicles, highway maintenance, tow trucks, utility service vehicles, and even disabled vehicles.
During the stop, Smeloksy allegedly displayed signs of impairment.
Based on the stop and investigation, troopers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample. A 1-month-old infant was in the back seat of the vehicle during the incident. The child was unharmed and was released to a family member.
Smeloksy was transported to the Clark County Jail and booked on the following preliminary charges:
• Neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under 18, a Level 6 felony
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, a Class A misdemeanor
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under 18, a Level 6 felony
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, a Class A misdemeanor
All charges are preliminary pending formal filing by the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office.
