On Saturday, police officers from the Noblesville Police Department (NPD) responded to the intersection of 10th and Pleasant streets following a report of a two-vehicle crash – one of which included an on-duty NPD officer.
Portman
Based on witness statements and other evidence at the scene, at the time of the crash a 1998 Chevrolet pickup was traveling northbound on 10th Street when the driver reportedly disregarded a red light and crashed broadside into an NPD police vehicle that was traveling westbound on Pleasant Street.
The driver of the police vehicle was an on-duty officer. The officer was transported to Riverview Health in Noblesville and released a short time later with minor injuries. The officer was not on a call at the time of the crash and was not operating with emergency lights and/or siren activated. There were no passengers in the vehicle.
The driver of the pickup truck was treated and released by medics at the scene. While on the scene, crash investigators reportedly observed indications of possible intoxication and as a result, an investigation ensued.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the driver, Jay M. Portman, 40, Noblesville, was placed under arrest without incident. He was transported and booked at the Hamilton County Jail on the following preliminary charges: Possession of Syringe, I.C. 16-42-19-18 (Level 6 Felony); and Operating While Intoxicated, I.C. 9-30-5 (Class A Misdemeanor).