BEDFORD — A Bedford woman was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after employees at a local doctor’s office raised alarms regarding her sobriety while she was accompanied by a juvenile.
Brittany Turpen, 38, is facing preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), public intoxication, and neglect of a dependent.
At approximately 5:12 p.m. on January 22, 2026, Bedford Police were dispatched to Southern Indiana Pediatrics at 1614 25th Street. Staff members reported a female in the parking lot who appeared to be under the influence.
Upon arrival, Officer Aaron Manke located a white Chevrolet Impala improperly parked across two spots. Turpen was in the driver’s seat with the engine running and a juvenile passenger in the vehicle.
Officers noted that Turpen displayed pinpoint pupils, slurred speech, and a lethargic manner. While she initially denied drinking, she admitted to taking several prescription medications throughout the day, including Suboxone, Gabapentin, and Clonazepam.
Staff at the pediatric office informed police that Turpen had been struggling with basic tasks and exhibited slow, sluggish movements while checking the child in for an appointment. According to the affidavit, employees expressed deep concern for the child’s safety, noting similar behavior from Turpen in the past.
Officer Jones, a certified Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement officer, conducted several tests, including a standardized test, which Turpen failed. A preliminary breath test showed a 0.000% alcohol content. However, a SoToxa oral fluid test yielded a positive result for amphetamines.
Turpen consented to a certified blood draw, which was performed at IU Health Bedford. The samples have been sent to the Indiana State Department of Toxicology for formal processing.
Following the medical draw, Turpen was transported to the Lawrence County Jail. The juvenile was given a courtesy ride to a grandmother’s residence, and the Indiana Department of Child Services was notified to open an investigation.
Authorities also contacted Turpen’s parole officer to inform them of the new charges.
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.
