(La Porte County, IN) - A 34-year old La Porte County man was lucky to escape with just minor injuries after sideswiping an oncoming semi-truck yesterday afternoon.

 

Stephen Gourley will have to answer to a charge of Operating While Intoxicated.

 

Gourley was northbound in the 7000 block of N. Indiana 39 when his 2017 Chevy Cruze veered over the center line, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s office. Police said he sideswiped an oncoming semi and crashed into a mailbox.

               

Gourley allegedly had difficulty standing, and his eyes were bloodshot when the officer asked if he had consumed alcoholic beverages. Gourley responded he had “two beers” about “one-hour ago,” police said.

               

However, investigators located a 24 pack of Miller Lite beer in the vehicle, and six cans were missing from the case. Police said he also registered a .174-percent blood alcohol level. The legal blood alcohol limit in Indiana is .08-percent.

 

Gourley and the truck driver refused medical attention.