A near head-on collision after a vehicle left the roadway before crossing the center line on March 31 on North State Road 54 resulted in the arrest of a Springville man on various alcohol-related charges. 

Brian Keith Swafford, 54, was arrested by Greene County Sheriff’s Department (GCSD) Deputy Caleb Sipes on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-first offense and no endangerment, and operating a vehicle with an alcohol equivalent to .15 percent or more. 

According to a press release from the GCSD, Swafford was traveling south on North State Road 54 in a 2011 GMC Sierra when he left the roadway, The vehicle struck an REMC guidewire and a mailbox before returning to the roadway. When Swafford’s vehicle was back on the road, it traveled over the centerline causing Troy Cullison, the driver of a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, to swerve in order to avoid a head-on collision. Swafford’s vehicle swerved toward the southbound lane again, striking Cullison’s vehicle and causing both automobiles off the roadway. 

Upon arrival at the scene, Deputy Sipes spoke with Swafford and noted in the probable cause affidavit that he could smell an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. Deputy Sipes also noted Swafford had glassy eyes and poor balance. Swafford allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol at a work party held at Buffalo Wild Wings. 

Sipes conducted a standardized field sobriety test, which Swafford failed. A portable breath test showed results of .202 percent. 

Swafford was transported to the Greene County Jail and was informed another field sobriety test would be conducted. According to the probable cause affidavit, Swafford admitted his guilt stating, “I am guilty. Period.” A second portable breath test was conducted with a result of .199 percent. 

Swafford was arrested on charges of: 

• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, a Class A Misdemeanor

• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated-first offense and no endangerment, a Class C Misdemeanor

• Operating a vehicle with an alcohol equivalent to .15 percent or more, a Class A Misdemeanor

Swafford’s bond was set at $4,000 surety with 10% allowed. He was released the following day after posting $400. 

Both northbound and southbound lanes of State Road 45 were shut down for approximately 30 minutes to allow the vehicles to be removed by a towing service. Indiana Conservation Officer Cole Hollingsworth and Owensburg Auto assisted at the scene.