'Otis the Town Drunk' Racks Up 71 Arrests
There are habitual offenders. And then there’s Douglas E. Smith, a northwest Indiana man who has the infamous distinction of being the most arrested person ever in Porter County.
His latest arrest last week was for public intoxication, resisting arrest and intimidation, the Times of Northwest Indiana reports.
The 49-year-old reportedly has tried alcohol rehab at least three times, but to no avail. At this point, his status as “Otis” appears to be a point of pride. Smith tells the Times that he has been arrested so many times that people ask him for his autograph at taverns.
“Smith brags that he can drink two cases of beer in a day, or can gulp down six bottles of wine or three fifths of hard liquor. He said he has walked around with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.45, enough to put most people in a coma,” the Times notes.
The story in the Times leaves us with loads of questions. If he’s so recognizable, wouldn’t tavern owners quit serving him? What do other communities do with habitual offenders like Smith?
In the comments, tell us about habitual offender legends in your area.
