Menu
Engaged couple end up in PCJ after motel, I-70 altercations
CLOVERDALE -- A Kansas couple -- reportedly engaged to be married -- ended up in the Putnam County Jail Tuesday following an apparent altercation along the side of Interstate 70, west of Cloverdale.
About 2:30 p.m., Indiana State Police Master Trooper Matt Ames was patrolling the interstate near exit 37 (the 37-mile marker) and noticed a man and woman arguing near a yellow 2005 Dodge pickup along the westbound emergency shoulder.
Further investigation found that the pair smelled strongly of alcohol and appeared to be intoxicated, State Police said.
The female had minor injuries to the left side of her face and head, Trooper Ames noted.
After Trooper Bill Bradbury arrived to assist, the troopers were able to determine the female was allegedly driving the vehicle.
The troopers also determined the female was allegedly battered by the male at a local motel in nearby Cloverdale as well as inside the vehicle as the couple drove along I-70.
The Kansas couple was placed into custody and taken to the Putnam County Jail.
Dennis G. Wheaton, 21, Junction City, faces charges of:
-- Battery, a Class A misdemeanor.
-- Criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor.
-- Public intoxication, a Class B misdemeanor.
-- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class C misdemeanor.
Kayla Nickole Browning, 20, Kechi, Kan., faces charges of:
-- Driving while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor.
-- Public intoxication, a Class B misdemeanor.
-- Being a minor in consumption of alcohol, a Class C misdemeanor.
Police said her injuries did not require medical treatment at the scene.
The vehicle was impounded by Curtis Wrecker Service.
The motel sustained damage to small items, linens and one interior room wall. Estimated damage was listed at $250.
Assisting Troopers Ames and Bradbury were ISP Lt. Dan Jones, Sgt. Joe Watts and Trooper Shilo Raulston, as well as a passing officer from the West Terre Haute Police.