Phil Koch OWI arrest subsequent to accident; under influence of methamphetamine
Philip Koch, the Santa Claus businessman arrested last month in Warrick County on a charge of domestic battery, was jailed in Perry County Friday night after he was allegedly found to be under the influence of methamphetamine and other drugs.
Koch was arrested after his car rear-ended another vehicle on Indiana 66 at a temporary stoplight on the north side of the city. Dispatchers received a 911 call from the driver, Gina Elliott, advising that her car had been struck while she was stopped for the light. According to Cannelton Reserve Patrolman Micah Jackson, Koch denied needing medical care but agreed to submit to a blood test. He was taken to Perry County Memorial Hospital, where he allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine and the active ingredients in prescription medication.
Koch was taken to the Cannelton Police Department for questioning and then lodged in the Perry County Jail. He was being held Friday night on a mandatory 16-hour “burn down” period that is standard for driving-under-the-influence arrests. Bail was set at $205.
Koch is president and chief executive officer of HO HO HOldings LLC, which includes Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort, Kringle Place Shopping Center and the Santa Claus Christmas Store. He was free on bail after his Nov. 21 arrest by Warrick County authorities. It is alleged that Koch battered his longtime girlfriend shortly before 11 p.m. Nov. 21 at a home on Beardsley Road in Warrick County. Koch has denied the woman’s allegations.
Well it seems that some people are incapable of change or learning from their past mistakes.
What a slimeball. I would never shop at his stores or stay at his campground.
So sad for his family that he behaves this way.
Trish and Austin:
Its too bad that you believe everything you read. The news story is inaccurate.
He was not given a blood test despite being told by the police that he would be given a blood test as stated in the story. Instead he was given an inaccurate urine screen. Urine screens are subject to numerous false positives for amphetamines and methamphetamines from countless prescription and OTC sinus medications along with many other medications. It should be illegal to arrest someone based upon a faulty urine test. A blood test should be required.
Its ridiculous that Perry County hospital couldn't perform a blood test. That is a really pathetic hospital that can't do blood tests. I wouldn't go there if I needed serious medical attention since they dont have enough staff to do blood tests at all times.
Philip does not use methamphetamines. It is an outrageous lie to say that he does.
Its amazing to me that so many people just blindly believe the propaganda provided in every "news" story. This is not WITZ's fault. They simply reported the lies that were given to them. It wouldn't be possible for them to fact check every story.