Mayor's Son Arrested at Elkhart McDonald's Drive-Thru on OWI Charge

Elkhart police say they arrested 35‑year‑old Christian Roberson after finding him asleep in his Kia Optima in the drive‑thru lane of the McDonald’s at 130 N. Main Street. Officers responded at about 2:40 a.m. and discovered the vehicle stopped between the take‑out and pickup windows with the car reportedly in drive, then observed signs of possible impairment.

WNDU and National Today reported that a breathalyzer administered on scene indicated Roberson’s blood‑alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. ABC57, 95.3 MNC and Face2FaceAfrica reported that officers administered field sobriety tests and a portable breath test, then applied for and executed a judicial search warrant for a certified blood draw; Roberson was taken to a hospital for that blood draw and the certified blood results were pending at the time of those reports.

Police booked Roberson into the Elkhart County Jail on a preliminary charge labeled “Operating While Intoxicated with Prior,” which those outlets describe as a Level 6 felony. WNDU and National Today report Roberson was released on a $25,000 bond, and WNDU says investigators tied the elevated bond amount to several prior OWI convictions. 95.3 MNC reports the case has been forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office for review of formal charges.

Mayor Roberson issued a public statement about the arrest, saying: “This weekend, our son was arrested and charged with operating while intoxicated. Regina and I love and will support him unconditionally through this difficult time. That being said, driving under the influence is dangerous and unacceptable. We believe in accountability, and our son will face this matter through the appropriate legal process.”

Medics with the Elkhart Fire Department responded to the scene and Roberson did not report any medical problems, according to ABC57, 95.3 MNC and Face2FaceAfrica. Officers described the initial call as a report of an unknown medical problem at the McDonald’s that led to the welfare check and subsequent sobriety testing.

Reports conflict on two procedural details: 95.3 MNC lists the response as occurring around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, while WNDU and an initial dispatch fragment placed the response around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday, March 1. Sources also differ on the mayor’s first name, reporting it as Rob in some accounts and Rod in others. Prosecutorial review of the case and the pending certified blood test results will determine whether formal charges are filed and what evidence is presented at any court appearance.