Welcome to Arrest Stories. The son of Elkhart's mayor was arrested for operating while intoxicated after falling asleep in a McDonald's drive-thru with his vehicle still in drive. Here's what may have happened.
On a Saturday evening in Elkhart, Indiana, thirty-five-year-old Christian Roberson found himself in handcuffs after what started as a late-night trip to McDonald's turned into a very public arrest. Officers responded to the McDonald's location just before three in the morning after receiving a call about a purported medical emergency.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Roberson asleep behind the wheel of a Kia Optima. The vehicle was positioned between the take-out windows in the drive-thru lane, and critically, the car remained in drive. Officers found a dazed Roberson when he eventually woke up.
The situation escalated quickly when officers administered a breathalyzer test. The results showed Roberson's blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit at the time of his arrest. This wasn't Roberson's first encounter with operating while intoxicated charges, as police records indicate he has several prior OWI convictions on his record.
The repeat offense history played a significant role in the court proceedings. Due to his previous convictions, Roberson's bond was set at an elevated amount of twenty-five thousand dollars.
The arrest gained additional attention due to Roberson's family connections. Christian Roberson is the son of Elkhart Mayor Rob Roberson. Following the arrest, Mayor Roberson released a public statement addressing his son's legal troubles.
The mayor stated, "Regina and I love and will support him unconditionally through this difficult time. That being said, driving under the influence is dangerous and unacceptable. We believe in accountability, and our son will face this matter through the appropriate legal process."
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges communities face with impaired driving, regardless of social status or family connections.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.