North Putnam athletic director arrested

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

GREENCASTLE -- Jason E. Sims, 33, Coatesville, was arrested on Saturday for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sims is the North Putnam High School athletic director. Sgt. Rick Keller of DePauw Public Safety made the arrest.

Sims was charged on two Class C Misdemeanors, one for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and one for operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of .08 or more. He has been released on bond of $505. His hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m.

According to the police report, Sims and two passengers had left the north Walden Inn parking lot at roughly 2 a.m. As Sims was driving, Keller noticed that the car was having trouble staying in the lane, had crossed into the center lane, had stopped in the middle of an intersection and had driven 40 mph in a 30 mph zone.

Keller pulled Sims over in the parking lot of First National Bank near the corner of Indianapolis Rd. and N. 10th St. Sims stated he was the designated driver for the two passengers, and Keller noticed Sims' eyes were red and puffy. Greencastle Police reserve Sgt. Clyde Siddons arrived on the scene and the two asked Sims to step out of his car and perform several field sobriety tests after smelling alcohol on his person.

Sims failed these tests and blew a .10 on the portable breath test. He was brought to Putnam County Jail while Siddons stayed with the passengers for a sober driver to pick them up. Sims was charged with driving while intoxicated and given a written warning for speeding at the time of booking.

At this time, North Putnam School Corporation has not commented on Sims' employment status or whether he is currently working.