BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Friday, May 9th, on multiple charges related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), including a prior offense and endangerment, after police observed him driving erratically on I Street.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Sarah Haluda, Ethan R. Humphrey, 24, was taken into custody following a traffic stop.
On May 9th, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Bedford Police Department officers were alerted to a blue Toyota Tacoma pickup truck heading north on I Street. A caller reported that the driver was swerving and braking excessively. Officer Haluda located the vehicle near 22nd and I Streets and witnessed the driver cross the center line before correcting back into his lane.
Officer Haluda initiated a traffic stop after observing Humphrey weave in and out of his lane, nearly hitting a parked vehicle. Upon contact, Officer Haluda immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the car and noted that Humphrey’s eyes were red and glassy. When asked if he had been drinking or using drugs, Humphrey reportedly denied any consumption.
Humphrey agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Still, he allegedly exhibited several indicators of impairment, including a lack of smooth eye pursuit, distinct nystagmus, and an inability to maintain balance during the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests.
After being advised of his Miranda Rights, Humphrey admitted to consuming two beers before driving into town for food, but continued to deny drug use. He initially refused a preliminary breath test (PBT) but eventually provided a sample with a result of a blood-alcohol level of 0.182, significantly over the legal limit of .08.
Humphrey was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for a blood draw, which was sent to the Indiana Department of Toxicology for analysis. He was subsequently lodged in the Lawrence County Jail on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 percent, OWI endangerment, and OWI with a prior conviction. Humphrey had a previous conviction for OWI in 2024.
During an inventory of Humphrey’s vehicle, officers allegedly discovered numerous empty alcohol containers and a plastic baggie containing marijuana. A loaded handgun was also found in the back of the vehicle and was secured by the Bedford Police Department.
He was then additionally charged with possession of marijuana.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on a probable cause affidavit, representing the investigating officer’s belief that a crime has been committed.
“}]] BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Friday, May 9th, on multiple charges related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), including a prior offense … Read More
