(La Porte County, IN) - A driver allegedly consumed a potentially lethal amount of alcohol before striking some trees in northern La Porte County yesterday afternoon.

 

Just after 4 p.m., La Porte County Police responded to East Wetland Trail in Galena Township and found a still running and heavily damaged car resting against several trees.

 

Police said the driver, 31 year old Chayton Garcelon, was not injured.  He was taken to the La Porte County jail with an alleged blood alcohol level just below five times the .08 percent legal limit.

 

Police said the arresting officer ordered the blood test after Garcelon exhibited obvious signs of intoxication and finding several empty beer cans on the floor board of his vehicle.

 

Garcelon, who lives in that area, was charged with a felony because of a prior OWI conviction in California, police said.  He could face an up to 30 month jail sentence.