(La Porte County, IN) - A driver who nearly struck several oncoming vehicles while traveling the wrong way on U.S. 30 is facing allegations of being impaired.  James Prahlow, 56, of DeMotte is charged with operating while intoxicated as a Level 6 felony due to a prior OWI conviction, which elevated what’s normally a Class A misdemeanor offense.

According to La Porte County Police, an officer monitoring traffic spotted the man early Saturday westbound in the eastbound lanes.  Police said the officer tried stopping Prahlow, who nearly collided head-on with multiple vehicles while traveling six miles before pulling into a gas station in Porter County where he was approached by law enforcement.

Prahlow told the officer he was in the opposite lanes because he’s not familiar with the area.  His alleged blood alcohol level was .14 percent or nearly twice the .08 percent legal limit.  Prahlow is also charged with Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement.