Vanderburgh County – Friday night, February 22, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Trooper Korey Mauck was patrolling the west side of Evansville when he stopped at a red light behind a 1999 Ford Mustang on Broadway Avenue at Barker Avenue. When the traffic light turned green the driver of the Mustang accelerated spinning the tires and sliding sideways off the north side of the roadway nearly striking a telephone pole. Trooper Mauck immediately activated his emergency lights and stopped the driver, who was identified as John Thornton, 43, of Evansville. While talking to the driver, Trooper Mauck detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Thornton’s eyes were bloodshot and his balance was unstable. Thornton was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. Further investigation revealed Thornton was a habitual traffic violator and didn’t have a valid driver’s license. Thornton is currently being held in the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond.

ARRESTED AND CHARGES:
• John Thornton, 43, Evansville, IN
1. Driving While Intoxicated – Refusal, Class A Misdemeanor
2. Habitual Traffic Violator for Life, Class C Felony

Arresting Officer: Trooper Korey Mauck, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Trooper Lucas Zeien, Indiana State Police