BEDFORD— A Bedford man was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including operating a vehicle while Intoxicated, after a traffic stop on Thursday evening, October 2. The suspect reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine and cannabis and admitted to intentionally using marijuana to counteract the effects of the methamphetamine.
Noel Caffey Jr., 51, of Bedford, faces charges of OWI, OWI endangerment, and operating a vehicle without ever receiving a driver’s license.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Patrol Officer Sarah Haluda of the Bedford Police Department, the incident began at approximately 8:35 p.m. in the area of 15th Street and I Street.
Officer Haluda observed Caffey’s vehicle nearly disregard the traffic light at the I Street intersection. A license plate check returned that the registered owner was “suspended- prior” through Indiana. The officer then observed the vehicle sit through an entire red light cycle at 15th and L Streets before turning right without signaling.
The traffic stop was initiated at 13th and L Streets. The affidavit states that Caffey stopped in the roadway, blocking traffic, despite the presence of numerous nearby parking lots.
Upon making contact, Officer Haluda noted that Caffey immediately lit a cigarette, was hesitant to make eye contact, and appeared to have glassy eyes and was fidgeting. Caffey provided an ID card and admitted that he did not have a driver’s license.
After a second officer arrived and also noted a belief that Caffey was impaired, Caffey agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs). During the tests, Caffey reportedly exhibited erratic body movements and was easily distracted.
Caffey later admitted to Officer Haluda that he had smoked marijuana several hours before and ultimately admitted to using both methamphetamine and marijuana recently.
A SoToxa oral fluids test was administered, which yielded a positive result for methamphetamine, amphetamines, and cannabis.
Caffey was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for a chemical blood draw, which was sent to the Indiana State Department of Toxicology for testing.
While in custody, Caffey told the officer that he felt he was “coming down” from the methamphetamine. He admitted that he had intentionally used the marijuana in an attempt to “bring himself down” from the methamphetamine because he knew he had to go to work.
Caffey was later transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. His vehicle was inventoried and impounded.
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.
