A Hazelton father was arrested Tuesday evening after allegedly driving impaired with his two young children in the vehicle. Around 5:08 p.m. on December 2, Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies and Indiana State Police stopped a vehicle on U.S. 50 near Gray Barn Road after it was reportedly speeding and nearly hit two other cars. Officers identified the driver as 27-year-old Jaret VanPatten of Hazelton. Police say VanPatten showed signs of impairment and that his 4-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son were inside the vehicle at the time. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where officers continued their investigation and determined he was intoxicated. VanPatten was arrested on multiple charges and transported to the Knox County Jail, where he remains held on bond. While at the hospital, he was also arrested for disorderly conduct. Toxicology results are pending. The children were released to a relative
Charges:
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with Passengers Under 18 (Level 6 Felony)
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Class A Misdemeanor)
Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 Felony)
Disorderly Conduct (Class B Misdemeanor)
