Gary Police Officer Facing Felony OWI Charge Following I-94 Traffic Stop
John Artibey Jr.,is facing felony and misdemeanor Operating While Intoxicated charges in Porter County after Indiana State Police documented signs of impairment during a traffic stop on Interstate 94.
According to court documents, a trooper encountered Artibey’s 2003 Ford Excursion on eastbound I-94 near the 17 mile marker in Porter County and observed the vehicle stopped on the shoulder of the interstate.
The trooper reported observing an odor of alcoholic beverage, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and failures on the HGN, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand field sobriety tests. A portable breath test showed a result of 0.122 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
Court records show Artibey was advised of Indiana’s Implied Consent Law and submitted to certified chemical testing at the Portage Police Department. Two Intox EC/IR II breath tests were attempted. Certified records show one test resulted in a mouth alcohol status and another resulted in an insufficient sample.
Court documents further show Artibey has a prior Porter County conviction for Operating While Intoxicated on May 10, 2023, which falls within seven years of the current arrest.
Charges filed January 21,2026:
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated — Prior Conviction Within 7 Years (Level 6 Felony)
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor)
Gary Police Department Statement (January 23, 2026)
The Gary Police Department released an official statement confirming that Corporal John H. Artibey Jr. has been placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and an internal investigation.
The department stated it was notified of the arrest and emphasized its commitment to transparency and maintaining public trust. According to the statement, Artibey was arrested by the Indiana State Police on January 17, 2026, following an encounter on I-94 in Porter County and has been formally charged with Operating While Intoxicated — Prior Conviction (Level 6 Felony) and Operating While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor).
Police Chief Derrick Cannon stated that public trust is the cornerstone of effective policing and said the incident does not reflect the department as a whole. He added that the department will continue to serve with the highest standards and professionalism the community deserves.
