On 03/15/2023 at approximately 2:48 PM sheriff’s deputies responded to the intersection of E 500 N
and N 1150 E in regards to a traffic accident resulting in injury with one involved party leaving the scene.
Upon deputy’s arrival they found the victim who had been riding a bicycle at the time of the incident
lying next to the roadway.
The victim stated that he was traveling north on N 1150 E when a red Chevrolet pickup truck struck him
while on his bicycle. After the collision the suspect vehicle turned onto E 500 N traveling westbound.
The victim advised deputies of possible internal injuries and was transported to Columbus Regional
Hospital for evaluation.
Approximately one hour later Deputy Keven Hatchett was patrolling in the area of State St and McKinley
Ave when he observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle. Deputy Hatchett
observed that the vehicle was missing its passenger side mirror as well as had black scuffing on the
passenger side fender as described by the victim.
Deputy Hatchett activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Upon
contact with the driver later identified as Nicholas Tuttle 35 of Columbus, he denied any involvement in
the earlier traffic accident. During the roadside investigation Tuttle underwent standard field sobriety
tests which resulting in the development of probable cause for an operating while intoxicated
investigation. A preliminary investigation based on the broken vehicle parts left at the scene and the
corresponding damage to Tuttle’s vehicle indicates that Tuttle’s vehicle was involved in the earlier
collision.
Tuttle consented to a certified breath test which resulting in a BrAC of .11, after this result Tuttle was
transported to the Bartholomew County Jail on the charges involving allegations of: Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated –
Endangerment A – Misdemeanor and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Moderate to Severe
Bodily Injury Level 6 Felony. Two children who were inside the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop
were released to their mother. Tuttle was later released after he was found to be eligible based on the
proxy release matrix.
Sheriff Chris Lane said, “Driving under the influence will always be a priority for the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Hatchett’s persistence and diligent investigation into the alleged offender in this case not only
brought resolution to the victim of the collision but also got an alleged drunk driver off the roadway.”
This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.