Indiana State Police cited an Ohio truck driver at 8:30 a.m. yesterday for consumption and possession of an alcoholic beverage while operating a semi-tractor trailer on I-69.

 Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division Senior Motor Carrier Inspector Bill Davis (Redkey District) stopped a 2001 Mack tractor pulling a box trailer southbound on I-69 at the 37 mile-marker for tire failure. Davis observed one of the rear trailer tires disintegrating and stopped the commercial motor vehicle for further inspection.

Upon speaking to the driver Michael E. Zidek, age 48, 400 E. Erie Street Painesville, Ohio Davis could smell an odor of alcoholic beverage on the driver's breath. Davis also located a cooler of beer in the cab of the truck.

Zidek was placed out of service and cited for:

• Consumption of an alcoholic beverage while operating a commercial motor vehicle with a alcohol concentration of at least 0.04 grams, but less that 0.08 grams of alcohol.
• Possession of an alcoholic beverage while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Motor carrier inspectors focus their efforts on commercial motor vehicle inspections to include: driver licensing, medical certification verification, log book entries, vehicle licensing, vehicle mechanical components, emergency equipment and annual vehicle inspection certifications as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division motor carrier inspectors conduct these inspections most generally along Indiana roadways and at weigh stations 24 hours a day in all weather conditions.

Master Trooper John Petro (Redkey District) also assisted in the investigation.