BEDFORD— A Bedford woman is facing multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI endangerment, and possession of drug paraphernalia, after she allegedly drove into oncoming traffic, causing a property damage crash on Monday, November 25.
Jennifer Harrell, 40, was arrested by Bedford Police officers following the crash on Lincoln Avenue at 12th Street. A subsequent drug recognition evaluation indicated she was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Sarah Haluda, police were dispatched to the scene of a property damage crash at approximately 3:40 p.m.
Officer Haluda spoke with the driver of a black Cadillac SUV, Alexander Turner, who stated he was traveling north on Lincoln Avenue when he noticed a maroon Pontiac sedan, driven by Harrell, drifting into his lane. Turner reported he honked his horn and pulled all the way to the right to avoid a collision, but Harrell “seemed to be unaware of her surroundings and drove nearly head on into his vehicle despite his efforts.”
When questioned, Harrell stated she was unsure what happened, claiming she could not recall anything after turning onto Lincoln Avenue from 12th Street. She denied falling asleep but initially admitted to using some form of marijuana earlier in the day.
Officer Haluda, a Drug Recognition Expert, administered a series of standardized field sobriety tests at the scene, noting Harrell’s distracted behavior and difficulty maintaining focus. She failed the test.
Ms. Harrell was transported to the Bedford Police Department, where she provided a preliminary breath test indicating no alcohol. However, she began making further admissions to Officer Haluda.
Harrell initially revealed she had used someone else’s Ativan prescription in addition to marijuana. She eventually confessed to also using methamphetamine, stating she had both snorted and smoked it. A complete DRE evaluation confirmed the officer’s suspicions. The evaluation included repeating the field sobriety tests in a controlled environment, where Harrell continued to perform poorly.
The DRE’s final opinion was that Harrell was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant and was unable to operate a vehicle safely.
A SoToxa oral fluid sample tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamines, and cannabis.
Furthermore, during a consented search of her vehicle, two smoking devices were located in Harrell’s purse, which she admitted to using for marijuana consumption, leading to the possession of drug paraphernalia charge.
Ms. Harrell consented to a certified chemical blood test, and two vials of whole blood were drawn at IU Health Bedford Hospital at 5:58 p.m.
Jennifer Harrell was subsequently transported to the Lawrence County Jail and booked on four charges of OWI, OWI endangerment, OWI per se, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both vehicles were towed from the crash site.
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.
