BEDFORD—A Bedford man, Matthew S. Roberts, 57, was arrested last week on preliminary charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated after an Indiana State Police trooper observed multiple vehicle violations. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at approximately 10:53 p.m. near the 15th and L Street intersection in Bedford.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Trooper Jesse L. Crane was on patrol when he observed a green 2002 Nissan Xterra, driven by Roberts, with a non-functioning right taillight and an expired license plate. The Roberts also failed to signal a left turn into a carwash parking lot after signaling a right turn onto 15th Street. Trooper Crane initiated a traffic stop due to these violations.
During the interaction with Roberts, Trooper Crane noted several signs of intoxication. Roberts’ eyes appeared glassy and bloodshot, his facial expression was sluggish and drowsy, and his speech was thick-tongued and slurred. A strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was also detected on Roberts’ breath and person. Trooper Crane, drawing on his fifteen years of experience, observed classic signs of alcohol intoxication.
Roberts was asked to perform field sobriety tests, during which he presented several clues of impairment. An attempt to administer a Preliminary Breath Test was unsuccessful as Roberts was uncooperative.
Following the field sobriety tests, Roberts was read the Indiana OWI Implied Consent Warning and agreed to a chemical test. A blood draw was taken at IU Health Hospital Bedford. The results of the chemical test are pending.
Roberts was subsequently transported to the Lawrence County Jail and incarcerated. Records indicate Roberts has a previous OWI conviction from January 8, 2021.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
