At approximately 2 p.m. Monday, Indiana State Trooper Jesse Reason initiated a traffic stop on a 2017 Dodge Challenger on U.S. 31 near Fulton County Road 100 North. The Dodge was allegedly traveling southbound at 116 miles per hour in a posted 60 miles per hour zone.
As Trooper Reason approached the driver’s side of the Challenger, he purportedly observed a one year-old child who was not properly restrained in a child safety seat. Reason also allegedly observed an open alcoholic beverage container in the vehicle. Further investigation of the driver, identified as Rachel Harding, 36, Indianapolis, IN, revealed she was allegedly driving while over the .08 blood alcohol concentration limit in which a driver is considered intoxicated in Indiana.
Harding was incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail. She is facing criminal charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, criminal recklessness with a vehicle, and neglect of a dependent.
The child was released into the care of the Fulton County Division of the Indiana Department of Child Services.