Published: June 01, 2009 04:45 pm      

Sheriff’s jailer, former county councilman arrested for OWI

AVON — A Hendricks County Sheriff’s jailer and former county councilman was arrested late last week on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

A sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on Wayne G. Johnson, 63, Amo, for suspicion of operating while intoxicated. The incident occurred at 3:30 a.m. Friday in the area of County Roads 525 East and 200 South in Avon. The deputy summoned the Avon Police Department to take over the investigation once he learned Johnson’s identity.

According to the Avon Police Department’s arrest report, Johnson failed three sobriety tests at the scene. The report states that a portable breath test showed Johnson had a .113 blood alcohol content. A chemical breath test later administered at the Hendricks County Jail in Danville indicated a .12 BAC, the affidavit reads.

Lt. Jim Yetter of the sheriff’s department says Johnson posted a $1,500 commercial bond and was released about 8 a.m. Saturday. Yetter adds that Johnson has been suspended from his job as a sheriff’s jailer without pay, pending the investigation’s outcome.

Hendricks County Prosecutor Pat Baldwin said her office will request a special prosecutor for the case. She added that Johnson’s initial court hearing, which is set for Thursday, may be delayed because the previous judge recused himself and a replacement hasn’t been named.

Johnson has no prior convictions. He was issued a speeding ticket in 2001.

Marie Greger-Smith, a former executive for Mothers Against Drunk Driving who founded Advocates Against Impaired Driving four years ago, voiced concern over Johnson’s arrest.

“Our law enforcement officials are supposed to set the example,” said Greger-Smith, who suffers from a permanent back and leg injury caused by a drunk driver. “I’m one who believes if you break the law, then you should be treated like everyone else.”

Johnson served on the county council, representing district one, from 1999 to 2006 before losing re-election to Nancy Johnson. A call to Wayne Johnson seeking comment Monday was not returned.



wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com