Police: Macon Co. deputy arrested in Indiana had prescription pills, gun in car

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — WAND News has obtained new documents related to the arrest of a Macon County Sheriff's deputy in Indiana.

Todd Choatie, 51, was arrested by the Putnam County Sheriff's Department on the night of Friday, Oct. 10. Putnam County is just west of Indianapolis.

An affidavit signed by a Putnam County Sheriff's deputy stated that he had been called to US-40 for reports of a white sedan driving all over the road as well as off the road. He was then called to the scene of a crash nearby.

He found a white sedan in a yard off of US-40 with Choatie lying nearby. When the deputy approached Choatie to check his vitals, he had red, watery eyes and said that he hadn't been in a crash.

The sedan was still running and the deputy noted damage including a ripped rear bumper and marks that looked like tire rubs from a semi.

The deputy said he found a Glock 9mm handgun in the center console.

Choatie did not answer questions from the paramedics, refused a portable breath test from state police, and refused to explain what was in a medication bottle in his pocket according to the affidavit.

The deputy found a zip lock bag with pills in addition to the bottle. The pills were identified as Adderall and Tramadol.

Choatie was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance.

The Macon County Sheriff's Department confirmed Choatie has been a deputy since 1998.

Department spokesperson Sgt. Scott Flannery told WAND News that Choatie is still on vacation, but will be placed on administrative leave on his return to duty on Oct. 25 for an internal investigation.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.