(Michigan City, IN) - A man was driving with a suspended license while impaired and wound up in a snow covered ditch then behind bars.

Those are the allegations faced by Richard Smith of Michigan City.  Smith, 54, is charged with operating while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license. La Porte County Police said Smith slid into the ditch last night on Royal Road on Michigan City’s east side.  The investigation shows he tried driving out of the ditch but his vehicle was stuck in the snow and he called someone to get him out.  Police showed up, though, just before his help arrived.  His alleged blood alcohol level was .26 percent, well above the .08 percent legal limit.