Jasper man facing several drug charges after accident

Deputies arrested a man for drug possession and driving under the influence after he was involved in a single-vehicle accident Thursday morning.

Raul Rangel Jr., 26, Jackson Street, Jasper, was driving a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus east on 630S at about 10:35 a.m. when he went off the south side of the road for an unknown reason. The car hit a culvert and traveled over residential drive before skidding up an embankment.

When deputies arrived on scene, a witness informed them that Rangel had tossed something from the car into a nearby wooded area. A deputy located a pipe in the area indicated.

Rangel’s girlfriend was also set the scene when deputies where there and according to the Dubois County Narcotics Officer, he noted a strong odor of marijuana emanating from her SUV. She gave him permission to search the vehicle and he located three baggies of marijuana, a Schedule III controlled substance, and a legend drug.

Upon questioning, Rangel admitted the paraphernalia and drugs were his.

Rangel had a cut to his face and complained of head pain but refused medical treatment. He was transported to Memorial Hospital by deputies where he was treated for those injuries. A drug screen at the hospital indicated he had cannibinoids, cocaine, benzodiazepines and opiates in his system, according to authorities.

Rangel was charged with a Level 6 felony count of operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction; A misdemeanor counts of possession of paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance, and possession of a Legend drug; and a B misdemeanor possession of under 30 grams of marijuana.

Rangel was booked into the Dubois County Security Center.

The car was considered a total loss.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Huntingburg Police, Indiana Conversation Officers, Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services and a KARS tow truck.