Indianapolis Man Arrested for DUI with 5 Children in his Car

Indianapolis, IN – An Indianapolis man is in jail after driving under the influence of alcohol with his five children in the car.

April 9^th at approximately 11:30 p.m. 39 year old Bawi Lian drew the attention of Homecroft Police Officer Dave Hodge when he struck the curb on Madison Avenue. After allegedly striking the curb at least twice, Lian’s 2009 Chevrolet Traverse came to a stop at a red light at Banta Road. When the light turned green the Traverse sat stationary in the roadway for nearly 20 seconds. Officer Hodge turned on his emergency lights at which time Lian began driving north on Madison Avenue for approximately one mile before coming to a stop. Trooper Cameron Bottema was in the area and responded to assist, and at the request of Officer Hodge, Bottema took over the investigation.

As a result of the roadside investigation Lian was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Inside the Traverse were five juvenile passengers ages 16, 13, 9, 5 and 2, which enhances the potential OWI charges to a felony. Lian was transported to the Marion County Adult Processing Center where a warrant for a blood draw was issued. Lian was then transported Eskenazi Hospital where the blood draw was administered and those results are pending. He is currently incarcerated at APC.

Bawi Lian now faces the preliminary charges of Operating While Intoxicated, Operating While Intoxicated Endangerment, Operating While Intoxicated with a passenger under 18 years old (5 counts) and Neglect of a Dependent (5 counts).

The charges listed are merely accusations of a crime, official charges will be determined by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.

*At the time of release a mug photo of Lian was not available, media can obtain that photo when available.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Cameron Bottema, Indiana State Police