An area basketball coach is accused of public intoxication in a case filed in Clay Superior Court on Jan. 6 following an incident that took place on Dec. 31.

Joseph “Joey” Hart, 50, Linton, was arrested by Deputy Hunter Gambill of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department early December 31 and booked into the Clay County Jail.

Hart, who coaches boys’ basketball at Linton-Stockton, was charged with public intoxication, a Class B Misdemeanor.

Hart has been on administrative leave pending an investigation, per Linton-Stockton School Corporation Dr. Kathy Goad, since Jan. 3.

Several people expected a decision on Hart’s future at the school board’s meeting on Jan. 9, but the purpose of the meeting was to hold the annual reorganization meeting. Several student-athletes, former players, community members, and parents attended to show their support for Hart. A handful of those in attendance spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting in support of Hart. At the time of this posting, there is no confirmation about when a decision will be made on Hart’s coaching position.

According to an incident narrative from Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Gambill, he received a call from dispatch at approximately 2:48 a.m. on Dec. 31 regarding a red/maroon colored van stopped in the roadway in the area of State Roads 159 and 246.

Dispatch reported an initial call came in at approximately 2:29 a.m. reporting a red/maroon colored van stopped in the middle of the roadway. The caller stated a male driver, later identified as Hart, appeared to be “passed out” in the driver seat. The caller was unsure if the vehicle was in park or drive.

Deputy Gambill reported to dispatch that he was enroute to the area from another call and was advised by dispatch that Jasonville Police Department would be enroute. A short time later, Gambill wrote in the incident narrative, he was informed another individual had called to report the van had moved to the Lewis Township Fire Department.

Upon arrival at the Lewis Township Fire Department, Gambill was met by Jasonville Police Officer Dustin Cain and Linton Police Officer Janzen Franklin. The officers informed Gambill they could smell an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Hart’s breath. Hart was outside of his vehicle, learning against a vehicle behind his van.

Deputy Gambill asked Hart where he was coming from, to which Hart answered West Terre Haute. According to the incident narrative, Hart said he’d been at a pub, had several drinks, and was trying to get back to Linton.

Like the other officers, Gambill could also smell an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Hart’s breath. Deputy Gambill noted Hart had red and watery eyes and slurred speech. Hart refused to submit to a standard field sobriety test as well as a portable breath test. He said he’d have someone pick him up instead. At that time, he was placed under arrest.

Hart was transported to the Clay County Jail where his bond was set at $3,000 surety with 10 percent allowed.

The following day, Jan. 1, Deputy Gambill reached out to two witnesses whose information was provided by Officer Cain.

Witness one said he was visiting a relative who lives on State Road 159 in Clay County. After he left the residence, he said he observed a red van stopped in the lane of travel on State Road 159. He went on to say he observed Hart in the driver’s seat sleeping. He said he observed the vehicle to be in drive. He said his cousin, witness two, passed by and stopped to help.

The witness said he made contact with Hart who said he was trying to get to Casey’s gas station in Jasonville. Witness one and witness two said they would follow him to the gas station. Witness one said that while traveling behind the vehicle, it was “all over the roadway” and he and the other witness felt it was best to get Hart to pull over. The second witness, who was the lead driver, pulled into the Lewis Township Fire Department and Hart followed. After arriving at the fire department, Officer Cain and Officer Franklin arrived on the scene, according to the witness.

Deputy Gambill attempted to contact witness two but the witness did not answer the call.

Following his arrest, Hart posted bond and was released from jail. He has retained Defense Attorney Joseph K. Etling of Terre Haute to represent him.

Hart is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on January 23 for his initial hearing.