2 teens arrested for underage drinking, 13-year-old arrested for driving SUV

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) – A 13-year-old girl and two of her passengers were arrested by Columbus police after a report of a possible intoxicated driver Tuesday morning.

According to police, a white Chevy Blazer was traveling south on Taylor Road near County Road 300 North around 3:40 a.m. They said a short time later as the officer was watching the SUV, the officer watched as the SUV struck a curb while turning into the entrance of a neighborhood.

Police said when the officer approached the SUV, the driver had switched seats with the front seat passenger, who was identified as a 17-year-old. Police said the officer smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the 17-year-old’s breath. He was later breathalyzed and blew .088% and was taken into custody.

The back seat passenger was identified as 18-year-old Joseph Chasteen, 18 of Taylorsville. He was also breathalyzed and blew .017% and was taken into custody.

The 13-year-old girl who was driving passed the breath alcohol test but was taken into custody for operating a motor vehicle without license.