BEDFORD– A Mitchell woman was arrested on multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment and a prior conviction, as well as possession of marijuana, following a traffic stop early Monday morning.
Erin D. King, 32, of Mitchell, was taken into custody after Captain Harrison Fleetwood of the Lawrence County Police Department observed her driving erratically in Bedford.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Captain Fleetwood was patrolling eastbound on 5th Street when he witnessed a white Dodge Durango, driven by King, leave the roadway, cross N Street, and then return to the road. Captain Fleetwood activated his emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop.
King failed to stop, continuing to drive before eventually pulling into a parking lot in the 500 block of Lincoln Avenue. Upon approaching the vehicle, Captain Fleetwood observed King holding a cardboard box containing two clear zip-lock bags of a green leafy substance, which later field-tested positive for marijuana. He also noted that King’s clothes were soiled and detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from her breath and the vehicle.
King provided conflicting explanations for her failure to stop, initially blaming “paper plates” and then acknowledging almost hitting a curb. When questioned about alcohol consumption, King initially denied drinking, then admitted to having “a few drinks” earlier.
Due to King’s reported medical conditions, she was unable to perform standard field sobriety tests. However, Captain Fleetwood conducted a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test indicating impairment. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.209 percent.
After reading Indiana Implied Consent, King submitted to a chemical test. A subsequent search of her vehicle revealed two alcoholic beverages, one of which was open.
King was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for a blood draw and then to the Lawrence County Jail. Her vehicle, which had heavy front-end damage, was towed from the scene. King denied being involved in a prior accident, stating she purchased the car in its damaged condition. Bedford Police Department was notified to check the area for potential hit-and-run incidents.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
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