Linton man accused of reckless driving, while intoxicated, in eastern Greene County

A Linton man was stopped near Blue Barn Hill in early June after concerned citizens called 911 to report he was speeding, passing on hills and had thrown a can of Bud out the window.

Brian Robert Callihan

A criminal case was filed yesterday against Brian Robert Callihan, 38, Linton, on preliminary charges of:

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

• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person with a prior within seven years, a Level 6 felony,

• Operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body, a Class C misdemeanor,

• Operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body with a prior conviction, a Level 6 felony,

• Possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, and

• Reckless driving at unreasonable speed that endangers safety, a Class C misdemeanor.

Callihan was arrested on Thursday evening, June 4, by Indiana State Police Trooper Richard Klun.

On that Thursday, Greene County Sheriff’s Department dispatchers received numerous 911 calls about a red Dodge Neon that was westbound on State Road 54 in eastern Greene County. Callers said the Neon was traveling at high speeds, following too closely, passing on double yellow lines and passing on hills and corners. One caller said the driver threw a can of Budweiser out the window of the Neon.

Officers were dispatched around 5 p.m., and Trooper Klun responded. He was headed eastbound from Bloomfield when he met the Neon just east of Sharkey Road, going fast. He turned around, caught up with the Neon and initiated a traffic stop just east of Blue Barn Hill.

Callihan was the driver who said he didn’t have a driver’s license – it was suspended. Trooper Klun reported smelling an overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and Callihan allegedly admitted he had smoked a joint. He also admitted he had drank a Budweiser on the way from Bloomington.

Callihan was taken into custody. He tested at .167 on a portable breathalyzer and was transported to the sheriff’s department for additional testing in a safer spot. Trooper Klun reported Callihan failed field sobriety testing. He submitted to a blood draw – results pending.

Records show Callihan was previously convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Greene County in 2017.

He was booked in around 7 p.m. with  bond was set at $8,500 surety with ten percent cash allowed. He posted $850 and was released sometime the next day, June 5. He will be scheduled to appear in an initial hearing in Greene Superior Court.