Police: Intoxicated driver fights cops after vehicle fire in St. Omer

(ST. OMER, Ind.) – Authorities are sharing more information following a situation that occurred in Decatur County on Tuesday night. 

Around 6:30 p.m., several 911 calls were made about a possible intoxicated driver who was driving recklessly. 

One caller said that the driver ran over numerous road signs and the vehicle appeared to be on fire. 

Decatur County deputies located the vehicle that was fully-engulphed in flames near the intersection of County Road 650 West and U.S. Highway 421 in the St. Omer area. 

The driver was located in the bed of a pickup truck that had stopped to help, police said.

The suspect was identified as Jonathan Gahwiller and deputies said he appeared to be extremely intoxicated. 

“Gahwiller exited the bed of the pickup truck and became extremely combative. Deputies took Gahwiller to the ground, at which time he kicked a deputy,” Sheriff Bill Meyerrose said. 

A Greensburg officer arrived to provide backup and Gahwiller allegedly kicked that officer in the chin. 

Gahwiller was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Battery on a Public Official, Operating While Intoxicated/Prior, Resisting Law Enforcement, Criminal Mischief, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident. 

Other agencies that assisted included Decatur County Communications, Decatur County EMS, St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department and Adams Volunteer Fire Department.