Traffic Stop Leads to DUI Arrest of Truck Driver Way Over Legal Limit

Jackson County, IN — A traffic stop in Indiana on Friday led to the arrest of a truck driver who police say had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level way over the legal limit.

Indiana State Police (ISP) said the incident began around 12:00 p.m. when authorities received reports of a tractor-trailer operating “erratically” along southbound Interstate 65.

A short time later, two ISP Troopers stopped the 2016 Freightliner pulling a trailer near the 54 mile marker, just north of Seymour.

During the traffic stop, ISP said Troopers observed the driver, identified as Mikhail Popov, age 62, Mount Pleasant, SC, showing signs of being intoxicated.

Popov was then transported to the Seymour Police Department where he submitted to a breath test for intoxication.

ISP reported the test determined that Popov’s BAC was .225% — far exceeding the .04% legal limit for commercial vehicle operators.

He was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail.

He was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Level 6 Felony, and misdemeanor charges of Operating While Intoxicated-Endangerment and Operating with a BAC of .15% or greater.

He was incarcerated pending his initial appearance in court.

ISP said a wrecker responded and removed Popov’s big rig from the scene.

No information was provided regarding Popov’s company.