Chesterton man accused of drunken driving on I-80 with unrestrained kids in back seat, records allege

Chesterton man accused of drunken driving on I-80 with unrestrained kids in back seat, records allege

A Chesterton man is facing neglect charges after he was arrested for driving drunk, up to 95 miles per hour with four unrestrained kids crammed in the back seat, documents allege.

Russell L. Lowe II, 35, was charged Tuesday.

He posted a $5,000 cash bond. His next court appearance is June 24.

Indiana State Trooper J. Luckey wrote he went to pull Lowe over around 9 p.m. April 13 after he clocked 85 miles per hour near the state line — 3.5 mile marker — on Interstate 80/94 west.

Lowe sped up to 95 miles per hour, before he pulled over.

Luckey wrote Lowe had glossy, bloodshot eyes and slurred words. He and the car smelled like booze.

The trooper found several empty liquor bottles inside. None of the four kids, aged 11 to 5 were wearing seat belts in the back seat.

Lowe said he last had a drink at 7 p.m. A breathalyzer and blood test hit just over .160% — or twice the legal limit.

He is charged with four counts of neglect of a dependent, one count of operating while intoxicated, all level 6 felonies, and four misdemeanors. He was also ticketed for speeding and a child restraint system violation.

mcolias@post-trib.com