Accused Drunk Driver's Happy Mugshot Gets Attention

Say "Cheese!"

Brooks M. Royal's mugshots by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A man who allegedly crashed his car at a railroad crossing is arrested, but it is his mugshot which is making news headlines.

Brooks Royal, 36, of Lawrenceburg, was arrested by Dearborn County Sheriff’s deputies after wrecking early Monday morning at Vine Street in Lawrenceburg. Deputies say Royal was drunk and allegedly left the scene before he was taken into custody.

When he was being booked into jail at the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center, Royal smiled and waved in his mugshot.

Meanwhile, Royal is charged with OWI and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.

As of Tuesday morning, a new mugshot of Royal was published to the sheriff's office website. He appeared to be enjoying his time a little less than before.

Dearborn County court records show Royal has previous arrests for OWI in 2011 and 2017.

More from Local News


Events

Driver Facing Charges After Fatal Crash in Carroll County

The incident took place on West Jay Louden Road.

Two Oldenburg Academy Teams Advance to STARTedUP Regional Competition

The statewide business pitch competition empowers high school students to develop and present innovative business ideas. 

Motorists: Stay Alert and Share the Road with Farm Equipment This Spring

See a list of safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment.

Local Sports Report - April 15, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - April 14, 2026

Plenty of action in high school sports on Tuesday night.

First ORVC Report of 2026 Spring Season Released

See the top performers in baseball, softball, boys golf and track and field.

Mark Chesnutt Old Flames Have New Names 3:40
Cody Johnson and Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood I'm Gonna Love You 3:36
Kenny Chesney That's Why I'm Here 3:32
Lee Brice A Woman Like You 3:29