By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Kim Cates (InkFreeNews file photo.)

SYRACUSE — Charges have officially been filed against Kosciusko County Councilwoman Kim Cates after she allegedly drove a vehicle while under the influence.

Cates, 59, 12361 N. Kings Drive, Syracuse, is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated – endangering a person and operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more, both class A misdemeanors.

Around 11 p.m. March 9, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy was traveling north on SR 13, just north of North Webster. According to court documents, the deputy noticed a vehicle in front of him weaving within its lane and frequently crossing the road’s fog line. The deputy followed the vehicle for five miles and witnessed the driver continuing to drive erratically.

The deputy pulled the vehicle over near the intersection of SR 13 and North Grandview Drive, Syracuse, and identified the driver as Cates, who was exhibiting signs of intoxication. Cates told the deputy she had been at an event in North Webster and had two beers.

Cates failed three field sobriety tests and was unable to provide a sample through a portable breath test. She consented to a certified chemical test and was taken by law enforcement to a local hospital for a blood draw. Prior to the blood draw, Cates’ vehicle was moved to a nearby business and secured. She was then taken back to her residence by deputies after the blood draw.

Cates registered a 0.20 BAC.

Whitley County Prosecutor DJ Sigler is overseeing Cates’ case.