On June 28, 2021, at 3:15 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Loren Barchett observed a vehicle traveling 147 mph in a 60 mph zone on US 41 near County Road 900 South. Deputy Barchett pulled in behind the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on County Road 800 South near County Road 200 East. Upon approaching the Green 2017 Chevy Camaro Deputy Barchett identified the driver as 21-year-old Jerry Gower of West Union, Illinois. While speaking with Mr. Gower Deputy Barchett detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver and began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation, he placed Mr. Gower into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. He remains in custody without a bond.
Assisting Deputy Barchett in his investigation was Sgt. John Fischer.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
