On Friday, August 7th at approximately 4:45 P.M. Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Officers were dispatched to the 8,000 block of 1st Road near Lapaz. The original complaint received at the Marshall County 911 dispatch center was that a dark colored single cab pickup truck was driving recklessly and was driving through several planted fields and yards of a residence in the area.
Upon arriving in the area, obvious damage to crops was located near 1st Road and along Juniper Road but the vehicle was not found in the area. At approximately 5:20 P.M. Sgt. Nicholas Laffoon was patrolling U.S. 31 when an erratic driver in a dark single cab F-150 was observed weaving and speeding while traveling south on U.S. 31 near 11th Road. After conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle it was found that the driver identified as 36 year old, Charles R. Elmore of Rochester was found to be Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and was taken into custody.
It was also believed that Mr. Elmore’s vehicle was the vehicle involved in the previous incident near Lapaz. He was transported from the scene to St. Joseph Regional Hospital and later lodged at the Marshall County Jail. Elmore was held on charges of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated- Endangering and Resisting Law Enforcement with bond set at $1,505. Further charges may be forthcoming from the Marshall County Prosecutor`s Office.
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
