Hope man arrested for synthetic marijuana, drunk driving

A Hope man was arrested by Columbus police Friday night after being found to be driving drunk, with synthetic marijuana in the vehicle.

Police say that 25-year-old Dustin R. Chaney was driving near  U.S. 31 and Washington Street at about 8:20 p.m. Friday when he nearly struck another vehicle. After being pulled over near 15th and Washington streets, he allegedly had difficulty following directions  from officers and appeared to be under the influence.

Police arrested him after several field sobriety tests. He was then taken to Columbus Regional Hospital to have his blood drawn before being taken to Bartholomew County Jail. As police prepared his vehicle to be towed, they allegedly found synthetic marijuana inside.

He is facing preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, along with possession of a synthetic drug and drug paraphernalia.