TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — One person was arrested during the investigation into a drowning death at Paint Mill Lake.
On Thursday, officials confirmed that one person had died in the lake. Their body has not yet been recovered, and their identity has not been released.
A probable cause affidavit released Friday, written by an Indiana State Police Trooper, provided more information about the arrest.
“Deputy McClain informed me that Mr. Jimm Nidlinger Jr. was detained in the back of his patrol vehicle. Deputy Clay White informed Lt. Scott Bown that two people had been boating and drinking, one person had been killed while boating on Paint Mill Lake. … One person went under the water and was never recovered,” the PCA states. “At approximately 5:30 p.m., I spoke with Mr. Nidlinger Jr. I observed that his eyes were red, watery, and glassy. I could also smell the odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath. I asked Mr. Nidlinger Jr. if would be willing to perform standardized field sobriety tests (SFST’s), of which he refused. Mr. Nidlinger Jr. also refused to take a preliminary breath test (PBT).
At approximately 5:35 p.m., I read Mr. Nidlinger Jr. implied consent, and he did not consent to a chemical test.”
The trooper added that Nidlinger was ultimately arrested.
“Mr. Nidlinger was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment. I charged Mr. Nidlinger Jr. with operating a vehicle with an alcohol level above 0.15,” the PCA states.
This is a developing story, and we will have more information as it becomes available.
