Vigo County – Thursday afternoon (10/17/19) around 2:45 p.m., Indiana State Police dispatch was called about a dark passenger car traveling westbound near the 18-mile marker, that was reportedly driving erratic and that had struck a guardrail earlier on Interstate 70.

The vehicle was found off the interstate near the 9-mile marker.

The vehicle was occupied by an adult male in the driver’s seat and two children in car seats.

State Police saw flames and smoke coming from under the vehicle.

Police helped the occupants out of the vehicle.

Officers say that 37-year-old Christopher Mack, of Indianapolis failed several standard field sobriety tests and was under the influence of a controlled substance.  Mack refused to submit to a certified chemical test and was transported to an area hospital and then later arrested and taken to the Vigo County Jail.

The two children were turned over to the Vigo County Department of Child Services and further investigation will be conducted by their department.

Mack is charged with:

Operating a Vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger less than 18 years of age, Class 6 Felony (2 counts)

Neglect of a dependent, Class 6 Felony (2 counts)

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, Class C Misdemeanor

Driving While Suspended (Prior), Class A Misdemeanor

Criminal Mischief, Class A Misdemeanor