Charles R. Wireman

Tragedy averted by trooper's quick action

Contributed By:The 411 News

Tragedy was averted Friday evening when an Indiana State Police trooper’s quick actions resulted in stopping a wrong way driver on the Indiana Toll Road.

At approximately, 10:32 p.m., Friday, September 21, Trooper Alaa Hamed was east bound on I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road) at the 5 mile marker (this is just east of the Calumet Avenue exit) when he saw headlights coming toward him. Hamed realized it was a wrong way vehicle going west bound in the east bound lanes coming directly towards him. Hamed activated his emergency lights and siren and the 1995 Toyota came to an abrupt stop.

Hamed began speaking with the driver, identified as Charles R. Wireman, 25 of Demotte, IN, and immediately suspected that he was impaired. Upon further investigation, Wireman was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated, Class C Misdemeanor, Operating While Intoxicated with blood alcohol level of .08% or more, Class C Misdemeanor, and Operating While Intoxicated Endangerment, Class A Misdemeanor.

Wireman was taken to Lake County jail in Crown Point where he was incarcerated. He tested over the legal limit of .08% B.A.C.

Lieutenant Mike Young, commander of the ISP Toll Road District stated, “Safety along our roadways and our community is our highest goal. We were lucky to have one of our troopers be in the right place at the right time to potentially avoid another senseless tragedy.”

On September 1, another incident involving a wrong-way driver caused 4 deaths on the Indiana Toll Road.

Story Posted:09/23/2018