Decatur County man behind bars on numerous charges

A Decatur County man was arrested after a Thursday afternoon on several charges after a crash.

Just before 2 p.m., the Indiana State Police received 911 calls about a pickup truck driving recklessly on northbound I-65 near Jeffersonville. Callers reported that the driver was driving aggressively. There were also reports that both he and a passenger were hanging out the windows and making obscene gestures towards other drivers.

A trooper observed the vehicle making lane changes without signaling. However, the trooper was in a state-owned car without lights or siren and was not in uniform. He continued to observe the truck as it sped away and reported seeing the driver make several reckless lane changes without signaling and passed multiple semi-trucks utilizing the right-hand emergency lane. Authorities say the driver was also slowing and sometimes stopping in traffic for no apparent reason and drove into the median more than once.

Other troopers and officers from nearby agencies attempted to locate and catch up the vehicle. At one point, the truck was observed taking the Memphis exit and completely disregarding the stop sign at the bottom of the ramp before re-entering the interstate and continuing northbound at a high rate of speed.

Officers were able to catch up to the truck near Scottsburg. That police department gave chase. The truck soon entered the median near the 35 mile-marker where it overturned and crashed.

The driver was identified as 27-year-old Paul Clifton Barger Jr., of Westport. He is facing preliminary charges of:

– Felony Resisting with a Vehicle – Level 5 Felony;
– Resisting Law Enforcement – A Misdemeanor;
– Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony;
– Operating While Intoxicated – C Misdemeanor,
– OWI Endangerment – A Misdemeanor;
– Reckless Driving – A Misdemeanor.

Barger was booked in the Scott County Jail.

The female passenger was treated and released from the scene. She was not charged.