Vermillion County, IN - August 31, 2023, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Trooper Chuck Murphy of the Putnamville State Police Post was patrolling on State Road 63 at State Road 234 near a construction zone.  This is when Trooper Murphy observed a white passenger vehicle approaching him from behind, traveling southbound at a high rate of speed.  Trooper Murphy then activated his rear radar and received a top speed of 101 miles per hour on the white passenger vehicle.  The vehicle then continued at a high rate of speed passing, and then cutting off, Trooper Murphy at the merge point of the construction zone.  Trooper Murphy was able to stop the vehicle and the driver was identified as Romell Watson, age 24, of Dolto, Illinois.  Watson displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Watson was transported to the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department where he submitted to a certified chemical test.  The test results indicated a blood alcohol content of .11%.  Watson was arrested and turned over to the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department jail staff without incident.  

Assisting:  Trooper Tyler Turchi of the Putnamville State Police Post.  

Arrested and Charges:  Romell Watson, 24, Dolto, IL

• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Level 6 Felony

• Reckless Driving in a Worksite, Felony 6

• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangerment, Class A Misdemeanor