Traffic Stop for Speeding Lands Jasper Man in Jail for Driving after Using Methamphetamine
An early morning traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a Jasper man on OWI charges.
John Henry Kempf, 23, Jasper, IN was arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated, with passengers less than 18 years of age, Level 6 Felony.

At 2:43 A.M. this morning, Trooper Charlie Johnson was patrolling Main Street in Tell City when he observed a southbound 2001 Chrysler traveling 52 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone.
Trooper Johnson also observed the vehicle travel across the center line numerous times. Upon conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle on Main Street near Mozart Street, Trooper Johnson learned that Kempf had just used methamphetamine.
Later tests indicated that Kempf had presumptively tested positive for methamphetamine and THC.
At the time of the traffic stop, Kempf had two children in the vehicle, a four and a five year old. The children were released to family members while Kempf was transported to and lodged in the Perry County Jail.



“I enjoy the month of March, with all the great basketball as well as the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, just as much as any other Hoosier,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “But I caution anyone thinking of using this, or any other reason, as an excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” Carter concluded, “Speaking for the state police, nearly all of us, like most of you, have friends and loved ones that will be out on the road driving responsibly. So if we see people who are driving dangerously; know that we will stop them and if they’re impaired, they will be arrested.”


While westbound, Sorrells lost consciousness due to a medical condition, and unknowingly merged from the passing lane, into the driving lane, and across the fog line. Sorrells’s truck struck a parked 2007 Freightliner semi truck pulling an empty 53 foot enclosed trailer, spun clockwise, and came to a stop next to the semi-tractor. The semi was stopped on the emergency shoulder due to breaking down.

