(3-14-23) Shelbyville (Indiana) Police arrested Linton-Stockton boys basketball coach Joey Hart (50) Monday night on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. OWI is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a possible sentence of up to a year in jail.
The arrest took place on State Road 44 and South Marietta Street.
Hart was reported by a witness to be swerving and crossing the center line while driving on West State Road 44.
Officers responded to the report and found a vehicle on West McKay Road. They observed the vehicle had disregarded a stop sign.
After stopping the vehicle, they identified Hart as the driver. Officers could smell a strong odor of alcohol from the vehicle and observed an open cup filled with beer.
Officers say Hart had blood shot eyes, slurred speech and poor balance.
Hart refused a chemical test after he was pulled over. Results from a blood test are pending.
This is Hart’s second alcohol-related arrest in the past three months. He was suspended for six games after that arrest.
Hart was released from Shelby County Jail this morning after an initial court appearance.
The No. 1 state ranked Miners (27-1) are scheduled to take on Parke Heritage Saturdayin the opening round of the Class 2A Semistate at Southport.
Hart is in his 13th season with the Miners and previously has won two IHSAA Semistate titles.
He has a 275-72 career head coaching record.
Hart will also miss coaching his son this weekend, who is a key member of the Miners, he is one of the top players in Indiana and is headed to Central Florida to play D I basketball.
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