Off-duty ISP trooper arrests suspected drunk driver in Hanover

(HANOVER, Ind.) – Indiana State Police Trooper Tia Hunt was off-duty when she pulled into a convenience store in Hanover on Thursday. 

She said two men appeared to be showing signs of intoxication so she approached their vehicle. 

While talking with the individuals, the driver allegedly sped away. 

Trooper Hunt called for additional police officers and followed the vehicle before it entered a mobile home park. 

The two men allegedly exited the truck and ran from the area. 

A third person then came out of a nearby home and began interfering with the investigation, police said. 

The driver, identified as 26-year-old Misael Nopal-Mendoza, was arrested on several charges including OWI and Resisting Law Enforcement. 

27-year-old Jose Alfredo Jimenez-Perez is the person who allegedly interfered with the investigation. He was arrested on suspicion of Resisting Law Enforcement, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Intoxication.

The off-duty trooper was assisted by Madison Police and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.