Staff Report

James Anderson Walters

SYRACUSE — A Syracuse man was recently arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence.

James Anderson Walters, 68, 72742 CR 133, Syracuse, is charged with operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to 0.15 or more, a class A misdemeanor; and operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more with a prior conviction, a level 6 felony.

On May 28, Turkey Creek Fire Territory received a report about a man in a vehicle who was having difficulty breathing. While medics were attempting to help, they determined the driver was intoxicated and was becoming uncooperative.

According to court documents, officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and Syracuse Police Department received information about the driver telling medics he was drinking and driving. The driver was later identified as Walters.

Walters told officers he consumed a pint of vodka and drank about an hour before he began driving. Officers noticed Walters was exhibiting physical signs of intoxication. Walters refused to take any field sobriety tests.

Officers obtained a search warrant for Walters’ blood. While at the Kosciusko County Jail, Walters provided a breath sample of 0.19. He was released from the jail due to underlying health issues.

Certified blood test results were received on June 19, and showed Walters’ BAC was 0.28 per 100 milliliters of his blood.

Walters was previously convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Kosciusko County in January 2020.

Walters was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on July 17.