Huntington County official arrested for OWI

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WANE) - A Huntington County official is facing several charges after police arrested him for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

His blood alcohol content was well over the legal limit. Right now it's uncertain whether Doug Wiley the county's Rescue Director and Deputy Coroner will keep his current positions.

According to a police report filed by a deputy, he clocked Wiley speeding 25 miles per hour over the speed limit in Mt. Etna. As he talked with Wiley, he could smell alcohol on his breath. The deputy said he saw a silver Coors Light beer can in one of the cup holders. Another unit came out to assist the deputy. Wiley told them he had about three beers throughout the day including the one in the cup holder about a quarter of the way full.

The officers said Wiley had a difficult time counting backwards and saying his A, B, Cs. Wiley's blood alcohol content was .11. He was arrested Saturday night.

Wiley faces six charges including operating a vehicle while intoxicated; endangering a person (a Class A Misdemeanor), operating vehicle with alcohol concentration equivalent to at least .08 but less than .15, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (a Class C Misdemeanor), improper headlights, speeding and open alcoholic beverage container during operation of a motor vehicle.

The Huntington County Prosecutor as well as the County Commissioners weren't available to talk with NewsChannel 15 about what happens next. For now Wiley is on administrative leave.

The Huntington County Coroner, Philip Zahm, told NewsChannel 15 his department is investigating what happened that night. From there they'll review their policy and determine whether Wiley will stay with the department or be relieved of his duties.