The Marshall County Central Dispatch Center at the Sheriff’s Department received a call on Friday, April 1st about 5:15 in the afternoon about a two-vehicle collision around U.S. 31 and Michigan Road.
Police received updated information that one of the vehicles involved had fled the scene. An off-duty Marshall County Deputy located and stopped the vehicle that fled the crash. The driver was identified as 62-year-old James W. Downey of Argos.
During a further investigation, it was determined that Mr. Downey was intoxicated as well. He was arrested and lodged in the Marshall County Jail for Operating While Intoxicated – Endangering, Operating While Intoxicated with a BAC of .15% or more, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Collision. His cash bond was set at $1,500 and paid on April 3rd at about 6:30 p.m.
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 jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
