Impaired driver leads police on chase after hit and run

SULLIVAN COUNTY— A Shelburn man was arrested Saturday night after an alleged hit and run accident occurred while police say he was under the influence of alcohol.

Hubert B. Merkley Jr., 49, was booked into the Sullivan County Jail after the driver displayed classic signs of intoxication and was taken into custody by Indiana State Police troopers for impaired driving and reportedly appearing to fail a field sobriety test. He is charged with operating while intoxicated-endangerment; leaving the scene of a property damage crash; and miscellaneous traffic citations.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts explained today that Sullivan County Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a hit and run crash at US 41 and SR 48 in Shelburn just before 9 p.m. Saturday, adding that the victim caller reported the suspect vehicle, a 1998 Ford Mustang, fled from the scene and they were following it.

"The caller provided updated locations as the Mustang continued to flee, and at times, driving through private yards," Watts said.

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputies Kinnett and Keegan located and stopped the Mustang near the intersection of Mill Street and Washington Streets in Shelburn.  Immediately after the stop, ISP Troopers Brent Robinson and Brad Miller arrived to assist. 
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Merkley was somewhat uncooperative and failed to meet the requirements for a certified breath test, Watts said, noting the Ford Mustang had extensive front end damage.  

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