SCOTTSBURG, Ind. — According to Indiana State Police, 34-year-old Derek Ribelin of Vallonia, Ind. was arrested after police allegedly found him passed out behind the wheel of a car while traveling with his infant son.
Around 9:50 p.m. May 20, an ISP trooper was patrolling I-65 northbound near Scottsburg when he observed a vehicle stopped along the right side on the interstate with its hazard lights on.
Upon approaching the driver's side of the car, a trooper found Ribelin either asleep or passed out behind the wheel while his nine-month-old son was standing on his lap, crying and banging on the window, police say.
After several attempts to wake the driver up, Ribelin appeared to be intoxicated. ISP observed an open alcoholic beverage container sitting on the passenger's seat.
A preliminary breath test showed Ribelin had a BAC of .136. He was then transported to Scott Memorial Hospital and to get an official blood draw. Officers, who remained at the scene, located a loaded pistol in the driver's side door pocket.
The nine-month-old was also taken by ambulance to Scott Memorial for observation and was released to his mother.
Ribelin is charged with one count of operating while intoxicated with passenger less than 18, neglect of a dependent, OWI, possession of a handgun without a permit and possession of marijuana.
He is currently housed at the Scott County Jail.
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