(La Porte, IN) - A driver who failed to pull to the side of a road for oncoming emergency response vehicles in La Porte is facing allegations of being behind the wheel impaired.  Darin Mercill, 39, was arrested Monday night for operating while intoxicated.

La Porte County Police said vehicles in both lanes of traffic on Indiana Avenue pulled to the side of the road for a fire truck and ambulance with their lights and sirens activated, but a pick-up truck driven by Mercill continued southbound. 

The North Carolina man said he was here for work and heading to a house where he was temporarily staying, according to police.  He denied consuming alcoholic beverages despite the officer detecting signs of possible impairment, police said.

Police said Mercill was arrested with a .135 percent blood alcohol level, which was above the .08 percent legal limit.