Delaware County – Last night about 6:50 p.m. Trooper Will Hughes overheard a Delaware County Dispatch about a subject northbound on I-69 in a blue Lexus that had waved a firearm at another motorist around the 30 mile marker.  Trp. Hughes stood by on I-69 around the 41 mile marker, and observed a vehicle fitting the description exiting I-69 onto State Road 332.

The plate number of the car and description of the driver matched, so Trp. Hughes caught up to the vehicle east onto 332 as it pulled into the BP station there.  He made contact with the driver, Nathaniel David Michael of Muncie.  Investigation found Michael to be in possession of a .40 caliber handgun.

Further investigation revealed the incident started when the Lexus ran up on the victim’s car, which was in the passing lane.  The Lexus then passed the victim’s car on the right and swerved back in front of them. As the Lexus cut in front of the victim’s car, the Lexus driver allegedly held up a handgun and waived it by his rearview mirror.  Traffic on I-69 was heavy at the time due to the Colts game that had ended earlier.

Arrested was Nathaniel David Michael, age 31, of Muncie.  He was charged with Criminal Recklessness, Class “D” Felony, and Operating While Intoxicated, Endangerment, Class “D” Felony.  He was lodged in the Delaware County Jail.

The Indiana State Police remain committed to reducing crashes, educating the public on the main causes of crashes and patrolling in high crash areas. Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.