BEDFORD — An Indianapolis man is facing multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction, after allegedly driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Bedford on Tuesday evening.
Jair Juarez, 22, was arrested by the Bedford Police Department officers on November 5.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Sarah Haluda, the incident began around 9:00 p.m. when the officer stopped at a light at 15th and L Streets and observed a silver passenger vehicle make a right turn onto 15th Street—the wrong way on a one-way street. Several vehicles reportedly honked at the driver.
Officer Haluda initiated emergency lights, and the driver, later identified as Juarez, pulled into a local business parking lot. As the officer approached, she noticed the vehicle’s reverse lights were illuminated.
Officer Haluda immediately smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. When asked to put the car in park, Juarez allegedly said he could not before finally complying.
When questioned, Juarez stated he did not speak English, but then understood when asked if he had been drinking, to which he replied “no.”
Juarez refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle, slumping forward in his seat and appearing to nod off. Officer Haluda advised backup officers that they would likely need to remove the driver forcibly.
Once multiple officers arrived, Juarez was physically removed from the vehicle and taken into custody for resisting law enforcement.
Juarez was transported to the Police Department, where Officer Haluda applied for and was granted a warrant for his blood by Judge Nikirk at 9:31 p.m. Blood was drawn at IU Health Bedford Hospital at 10:00 p.m. and sent to the Indiana State Department of Toxicology for testing.
During a search of Juarez’s person, officers located a receipt from a local restaurant detailing numerous alcoholic beverage purchases made earlier that day. A background check further revealed that Juarez had a prior OWI conviction in Marion County in 2024.
Juarez was then transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.
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.
