Indiana State Police and federal agencies have completed a multi-state commercial vehicle safety operation aimed at identifying unsafe drivers, fraudulent activity, and dangerous vehicles traveling along major Midwest freight routes.

Operation Details

Operation Highway Shield was conducted July 28 through July 30 across Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Authorities said the three-day enforcement effort focused on unqualified operators, unsafe commercial vehicles, driver credential violations, and commercial transportation fraud. During the operation, enforcement teams placed 766 drivers and vehicles out of service after identifying safety concerns.

Officials also reported 51 people were detained, including 21 drivers operating with non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses issued outside their home state. Authorities said 86 operators were arrested for alleged criminal activity, including incidents involving road rage and domestic violence.

The operation also resulted in 36 violations related to English Language Proficiency safety requirements and the recovery of nearly $1 million in stolen cargo.

Partnership and Goals

Indiana State Police officials said the partnership with federal agencies helps identify high-risk operators and remove unsafe equipment from roadways. Major Jon Smithers, commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, stated, “Our troopers are committed to keeping Indiana roadways safe for everyone.”

Federal officials said the operation is part of a broader effort to strengthen commercial vehicle safety standards, prevent CDL fraud, and improve enforcement across the nation’s transportation network.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.