Peru, IN - Steven Higgins, 64, of Peru, was arrested by Peru Police Department on a charge of Operating While Intoxicated on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at approximately 8:56 p.m. after a caller reported nearly being hit by a motorcycle driving at a high rate of speed.

According to a PPD probable cause affidavit filed by PPD Sergeant Samantha Raber central dispatch advised of a motorcycle driving at a high rate of speed and it almost hit a caller. After pulling out of the Peru Police Department lot, Raber reported seeing a male on a motorcycle in the turn lane to head south on Broadway.

Raber followed the motorcycle south onto Broadway stopping at the light at 2nd and Broadway. When the light turned green, the motorcycle began to take off, driving way left crossing the center line and almost dumping the bike. Raber continued to follow the motorcycle as it turned west at Franklin and Broadway. Again, the motorcycle turned into the opposite lane of travel, coming near the curb of the other lane and almost dumping the bike.

Sergeant Raber then conducted a traffic stop for the rider and the public’s safety near the intersections of Franklin and Broadway. The driver of the bike was later identified as Steven Higgins, 64 of Peru. Higgins came to a stop using the curb to balance himself.

While speaking with Mr. Higgins, who reported that he had driven from Logansport, where he had been with friends, that he was slurring his words and kept swaying back and forth. Due to the strong odor of alcohol coming from his person, Sergeant Raber then asked Higgins how much he had to drink tonight and Higgins replied, “a lot”.

Higgins then consented to take the field sobriety tests. Sergeant Raber first attempted to administer the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. She had to explain to him several times to follow the tip of her pen with his eyes only. Due to his lack of following directions, she stopped this test.

The second test was the walk and turn test. The results of this test displayed 7 of the 8 possible clues.

The final test was the one-leg stand test. Higgins failed this test showing 3 of the 4 clues. He swayed back and forth during the test, used his arms for balance and put his foot down four times during the test. He also failed to count correctly during the test.

Higgins then agreed to take a portable breath test with a result of .29% BrAC. PPD Officer Tussy then placed Higgins into handcuffs and transported him to the Peru Police Department for a certified breath test. The result of that test was .229 g/210L.

Steven Higgins, 64 of Peru was then transported to the Miami County Jail on a charge of Operating While Intoxicated.

All criminal suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.