BEDFORD— An Oolitic man was arrested early Sunday morning on multiple charges, including operating while intoxicated and drug possession, following a traffic stop in the downtown area.
According to the Bedford Police Department, Officer Daugherty initiated a traffic stop at approximately 2:05 a.m. on March 2 near 4th and J streets after observing a white 2013 Dodge Charger turn north onto J Street, which is designated as a one-way southbound street. The driver, later identified as Luke Woody of Oolitic, was found to be in violation of traffic laws.
Upon making contact with Woody, officers noted the odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. Woody stated that he was unfamiliar with the roads and was on his way to Bandana’s Bar and Grill to pick up a friend. He agreed to perform standard field sobriety tests but exhibited signs of impairment, including slurred speech, glossy eyes, and difficulty maintaining balance. During the stop, officers observed an open Busch Lite beer bottle in the driver’s side door, and Woody admitted to having marijuana inside the vehicle.
Despite reporting a recent head injury, Woody proceeded with the field sobriety tests, during which he struggled to follow instructions and maintain his balance. A preliminary breath test registered a blood alcohol content of 0.065. Woody stated he had last consumed alcohol the previous morning around 11 a.m. to noon.
After being read his Miranda rights and Indiana’s Implied Consent law, Woody was placed under arrest. A search of his person revealed an orange jewelry box containing two yellow rectangular tablets imprinted with “R039,” believed to be Alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Officers also discovered a folded one-dollar bill inside Woody’s wallet containing a white powdered substance that later field-tested positive for cocaine. Additionally, a hand-rolled cigarette containing a plant-like material tested positive for marijuana.
Woody was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital, where a registered nurse conducted a certified blood draw at 3:24 a.m. Following medical clearance, he was taken to the Lawrence County Jail. His vehicle was towed by Bland’s Towing.
Woody faces multiple charges, including operating while intoxicated (prior), operating while intoxicated per se (pending blood draw results), possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of cocaine. The investigation remains ongoing.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
