(La Porte County, IN) - A man is accused of driving impaired while traveling more than twice the speed limit on a state highway outside La Porte.

 

John Gallagher, 56, of Rolling Prairie, was booked into the La Porte County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated and reckless driving.

 

According to La Porte County Police, a deputy began following Gallagher eastbound on Indiana 2 after clocking him at 72 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone while traveling out of the La Porte city limits. His speed increased to 122 mph, and Gallagher veered over the eastbound center lane while being followed.

 

Gallagher, after turning on 500 East, pulled over. Gallagher said he was heading home after drinking at a bar in La Porte. His alleged blood alcohol level was .186-percent or more than twice the .08-percent legal limit.

 

Gallagher could face up to one year in jail on the Class A misdemeanor OWI charge. He was also cited for speeding and driving left of center, police said.