(La Porte, IN) - A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man who told police after a suspected alcohol impaired crash he never obtained a driver’s license in the USA or Mexico.  Efren Uribe-Marcelino is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with operating while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while never obtaining a driver’s license.

 

After posting bond, a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for his initial hearing in the case.

 

According to court documents, Marcelino in early October had a blood alcohol level of .19 percent after a collision with a utility pole near Indiana 2 and Fail Road on the city’s east side.  A green utility box near the pole was also damaged.

 

Police said Marcelino told officers he was heading back home from a barbecue when distracted by the lights of an oncoming vehicle being too bright.  An officer spotted multiple cans of Bud Light inside his Chevy Silverado, police said.  

 

Marcelino told investigators he was attempting to turn into a private drive at the time but hit the pole, according to court documents.  He also told the officer he has never had a driver’s license on either side of the southern border.

 

Marcelino was booked into the La Porte County Jail after the crash then two days later was released on two separate bonds of $750 and $300, according to court  records.