(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man out on bond for operating while intoxicated was arrested last night for driving impaired after crashing into a pile of snow.

 

Nathan Hinz, 35, was booked into the La Porte County Jail on Level 6 felony operating while intoxicated.  The charge was upgraded to a felony due to Hinz having a prior OWI conviction from 2024, authorities said.

 

La Porte County Police said Hinz about 6 p.m. was westbound on Grandview Ave. in La Porte when the road came to a dead end at Monroe St.  Instead of turning left or right, police said Hinz drove across Monroe St. into a large pile of snow where his pick-up truck became stuck.

 

Hinz, who exhibited various signs of impairment, did not have any alcohol in his system, police said.  It was the belief of an the investigating officer that Hinz was under the influence of a narcotic.

 

Police said Hinz explained he takes suboxone and was possibly under the influence of that drug often used by heroin addicts to ease withdrawal symptoms.  According to court records, Hinz was arrested in October for operating while intoxicated and was out on bond waiting for that case to decided in the courts prior to his latest arrest.