Police: Aurora man charged with OVI after passenger's death

AURORA, Ind. - An Aurora man was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing the death of his passenger, police said.

Aric Shinkle, 25, was traveling west on Billingsley Drive at approximately 12:35 a.m. on Nov. 19, when it traveled off the roadway, according to police.

Shinkle’s 2003 Dodge truck collided with multiple trees before coming to a stop.

The passenger, Robert Martin, 25, of Aurora, Ind., was extricated from the vehicle by the Aurora Fire Department.

Both Shinkle and Martin were taken to Dearborn County Hospital, where Martin was pronounced dead.

A chemical test later determined that Shinkle tested positive for alcohol and marijuana. Shinkle’s blood-alcohol content was .126 percent, according to police.

The legal limit in Indiana is .08 percent.

A witness reported  Shinkle begged them not to notify the police at least six times. On one occasion, Shinkle asked a witness how much was needed to avoid the police being called. Shinkle never asked the witnesses for help or for an ambulance.

Shinkle has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death with a schedule I controlled substance, operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death with a alcohol concentration of at least .08 and Reckless homicide.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.