March 19, 2024

Alleged drunk driver crashes vehicle on First Avenue West

A one-vehicle crash led to the arrest of an alleged intoxicated driver early Tuesday morning.

The driver, 25-year-old Riley A. Hodge, of Newton, was arrested following a crash that occurred just before midnight in the 500 block of First Avenue West. He allegedly lost control of his vehicle, drove onto a sidewalk and struck a nearby tree.

Witnesses told police Hodge left the scene on foot. Officers located Hodge in the DMACC parking lot in the 600 block of North Second Avenue West later that night.

Hodge admitted to police he was the driver of the vehicle left the scene. He faces charges of operating while under the influence and failure to provide proof of financial liability.

Hodge was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.