On Thursday, August 20th at approximately 5:50 pm, a LaPaz police officer initiated a traffic stop southbound on Michigan Road north of 1st Road for a speeding violation. During the traffic stop, the driver, 62 year old Jack Ritenour of LaPaz, was found to be intoxicated. After completing the investigation, Mr. Ritenour was incarcerated at the Marshall County Jail for operating while intoxicated endangering a person with a bond of $1,500.
Approximately two hours later, LaPaz police attempted to initiate a traffic stop eastbound on US 6 at Oak Road for another speed violation. The driver of the vehicle, 44 year old Noel Lorenzo-Hernandez of South Bend began to flee from the officer, braking quickly and attempting to turn southbound on Oak Road. As he did, he lost control of the vehicle and struck a truck stopped northbound at this intersection. There were no injuries in the accident, but the Hernandez’s vehicle was heavily damaged. He was taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail for resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and operator never licensed. His bond was set at $1,500.
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
