Brayam Tapia Martinez, 18, of Columbus, Ohio, was accused of driving about 100 mph through an Interstate 65 construction zone in Jasper County on November 5, 2026, while workers were placing barricades and traffic cones.

The affidavit states that a Jasper County sheriff’s sergeant was dispatched to a report of a white utility van driving at high speed and “all over the roadway” on northbound I-65 near mile marker 195. The sergeant later saw the van near mile marker 211, followed it and paced it at about 100 mph as it approached a construction zone near mile marker 214. The posted speed limit was 55 mph, and workers were actively setting up barricades and cones to close the fast lane.

The sergeant activated emergency lights, and the van pulled over just past mile marker 215 onto a northbound entrance ramp. The driver was identified as Martinez. The affidavit says the sergeant noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle and later from Martinez, whose balance was described as unsteady.

A breath test administered during the investigation reportedly registered 0.14. The affidavit also states that an officer could not perform field sobriety testing because of a language barrier and an interpreter was unavailable.

According to the affidavit, Martinez was unable to communicate in English and provided a Columbus, Ohio, library card bearing his name. Using a translator application, the sergeant asked for his date of birth. Martinez initially gave a date of birth that would have made him 17. Because of discrepancies involving his age and identity, investigators contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for help confirming his identity. ICE determined Martinez was 18, with a date of birth of October 2008. The affidavit says Columbus police records also listed that date of birth. It further states that Martinez had never obtained a driver’s license in the United States or Mexico.

Charges filed November 6, 2026:

Reckless operation of a vehicle in a highway worksite-Level 6 felony

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated and endangering a person — Class A misdemeanor

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated — Class C misdemeanor

Minor consuming alcohol — Class C misdemeanor

Knowingly or intentionally operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license — Class C misdemeanor