SHELBYVILLE — Earlier this week, Mt. Vernon (Fortville) boys basketball coach Ben Rhoades was arrested and is now charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
According to police, Rhoades was leaving the Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino in Shelbyville when security informed police of a possible intoxicated driver after they had been given a red card (meaning ejection from the casino).
A Shelbyville officer observed Rhoades’ driving erratically before beginning a traffic stop.
During the traffic stop, Rhoades failed three field sobriety tests and took a breath test that showed a .218 BrAC. This is nearly three times the legal limit.
Rhoades was taken into custody on a warrant for a blood draw.
Following the arrest, the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation provided the following statement:
"MVCSC received notice that an employee, Mr. Ben Rhoades of Mt. Vernon High School, has been arrested and was released this weekend. With it being a personnel matter, we have legal limitations and are not able to share anything further. Pursuant to our policy, we have placed the employee on leave while the situation is under review.
Mt. Vernon High School staff will be supporting the classes and students impacted during his absence. Mt. Vernon will continue to stay committed to providing academic excellence for all Mt. Vernon students and will strive to ensure this situation does not alter an optimal learning environment for all students. We will remain diligent in ensuring nothing minimizes that priority while we provide support for our students and staff."
He was hired as head basketball coach in May 2018.
In an update on March 2, the school corporation said Rhoades will return to his teaching position on March 27. His role as basketball coach is still under review.
-
Fever prepares for first home playoff game since 2016 with red-out
The Indiana Fever is hosting a red-out at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for their first home playoff game since 2016, with red shirts placed on every seat for fans.
Cardi B announces Indianapolis stop on first tour in six years
GRAMMY Award-winning rapper Cardi B announced her first tour in six years, with a stop planned for downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Taste the best of Indy at Indianapolis Monthly's 2025 Best Restaurants Event
The annual celebration brings together the best eateries and chefs from across central Indiana Sept. 22 at the Stutz building. WRTV's Kaitlyn Kendall got to experience one chef's creations in-person.
Fountain Square homeless encampment to close by Thursday, OPHS says
The Office of Public Health and Safety confirms the Leonard Street encampment in Fountain Square will be fully closed by September 18.
