A driver was arrested for OWI on Monday in Valparaiso after getting stuck on railroad tracks according to police. At approximately 1:00 a.m., Patrolman Redmon was dispatched to the area of Nickel Plate Ave. and Axe Ave. due to the report of a vehicle being stuck on the railroad tracks. He observed the vehicle 300 meters west of the crossing and noted it was still occupied. Ptrl. Redmon further noted that an eastbound train was approaching the vehicle., as the train horn was sounding. Ptrl. Redmon took action, assisting the driver from the vehicle and away from the tracks as the train approached. The driver and Ptrl. Redmon was able to get a safe distance from the vehicle and tracks, prior to the train striking the now unoccupied vehicle. There is no known injury reported as a result of the crash.
Police say the driver, 36 year old Matthew Helsel, of Kouts exhibited several signs of intoxication during his contact with officers, and admitted having consumed alcoholic beverages prior to their contact with him. An operating while intoxicated investigation commenced, which resulted in Helsel being arrested on multiple counts of the offense.