Rensselaer, INDIANA

September 23, 2008 - Rensselaer Central Middle School art teacher Elliott Zimmer, 27, stopped for speeding, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a narcotic and possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana.

"His alcohol level was below the 0.08 legal limit (to drive), but with the signs of impairment and with marijuana possession, he was taken in," Chief Deputy Terry Risner of the Jasper County Sheriff's Department said.

At the traffic stop, Zimmer consented to a search of the vehicle, where a cigarette box with clear plastic protruding out the top was found in the center console of the vehicle.“The officer found the clear plastic contained a brownish-green leafy substance that the officer felt was marijuana,” Risner said. “There was admission from the suspect of smoking marijuana two hours prior to the traffic stop.”

The Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office is currently reviewing the arrest charges and an initial hearing has yet to be set

Risner said Zimmer was cooperative but refused a urinalysis test. He has been suspended by the school district.
Full Name: Elliott James Zimmer