On March 24, 2026, at 1:25 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates and Oakland City Officer Kaden Tepe conducted a traffic stop on a Black Kia for having false and fictitious plates while traveling on County Road 1150 East near State Road 57. Upon approaching the vehicle officers detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and began a roadside drug investigation. During the investigation Deputy Bates detected multiple clues that the driver 18-year-old Darrion Brown of Indianapolis was under the influence of an unknown intoxicant. At that point Deputy Bates began an OWI investigation that resulted in Mr. Brown being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Endangerment (Refusal) and Possession of Marijuana. Officer Tepe issued Mr. Brown citations for False and Fictitious Plates and Driving Left of Center.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
