SPRINGVILLE – A Springville man was arrested late Tuesday night after allegedly driving his car into a church while intoxicated.
After multiple attempts, Captain Fleetwood woke Garland, who rolled down his window. The captain immediately detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. When asked if he was okay and had been drinking, Garland allegedly replied that he had “drank a lot.” EMS and the fire department were requested to the scene to evaluate Garland’s condition.
Garland reportedly told Captain Fleetwood that he had come from Bedford and lived in Bedford, but could not remember where he had been or how much he had consumed. Captain Fleetwood also noted a strong odor of alcohol on Garland’s breath and that his eyes were red and glassy.
While medical personnel attended to Garland, Captain Fleetwood spoke with the Pastor of Family Life Center Church. The pastor provided security camera footage showing Garland’s vehicle rolling across the parking lot and striking the church.
An attempt to administer a portable breath test to Garland was unsuccessful due to an insufficient breath sample. Due to Garland’s apparent level of impairment, Standard Field Sobriety Tests were deemed unsafe. Captain Fleetwood read Indiana’s Implied Consent Law, and Garland reportedly stated he understood and would submit to a chemical test.
Garland was transported by ambulance to IU Health Bedford Hospital for a blood draw (results pending) and medical evaluation. En route, Garland allegedly told Captain Fleetwood that he had been drinking Budweiser beer at Shorty’s Bar, stating he had received bad news from a doctor and had a rough day. He reportedly said he usually calls for a ride home, but could not remember leaving the bar and tried to drive himself.
Following the blood draw and medical clearance, Danny J. Garland was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and booked on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and OWI endangerment.
An affidavit of probable cause outlines the investigating officer’s belief that a crime has been committed. Criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
