(La Porte County, IN) - A man driving very erratically with three young children in his car on U.S. 30 near Wanatah was allegedly impaired by marijuana.

 

Juan Smith, 25, of Knox has been charged with Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, upgraded to a Level 6 felony because the lives of his children, ages 7, 5, and 1, were considered endangered by his alleged actions.

 

According to La Porte County Police, he was spotted by an officer on Tuesday night driving over the fog line, speeding up and slowing down, and being all over the roadway while having his high-beam headlights on. During a traffic stop, authorities discovered Smith had not consumed any alcohol. However, a test of his body fluids allegedly revealed Smith was “impaired by cannabis.” 

 

Police said Smith admitted ingesting THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, through a vaping device.

 

Officers began working to secure a ride for the children and their mother after Smith was taken to the LaPorte County Jail.