BEDFORD — A 53-year-old Sheridan man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after he was found passed out in a running vehicle at a Bedford gas station with a blood-alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit.
Joseph J. Schoemann faces preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and chemical test refusal.
At approximately 4:40 p.m. on January 28, 2026, Bedford Police were dispatched to the Circle K in the 7oo block of 16th Street. A store employee reported a male slumped over the steering wheel of a red Pontiac Grand Prix. The caller noted the engine was running and being revved intermittently.
Upon arrival, Officer Stuart Ratcliff observed the vehicle straddling a handicapped parking space. When the officer knocked on the window, Schoemann appeared startled. He told the officer he was revving the engine because he was “cold.”
During the interaction, Officer Ratcliff reported several signs of impairment. Two 750ML bottles of 80-proof Dark Eyes Vodka—one empty and one partially full—were visible in the passenger seat. Schoemann failed field sobriety tests.
While being questioned, Schoemann allegedly claimed he had been shoveling snow all day and didn’t know how much he had to drink. According to the affidavit, when asked to take a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) at the scene, Schoemann refused, stating, “I’m already guilty,” though he declined to elaborate on the comment.
Despite an initial refusal of a chemical test, a search warrant for Schoemann’s blood was signed by Judge Robert Cline. While at IU Health Bedford for the blood draw, Schoemann finally submitted to a PBT, which yielded a result of 0.236% blood alcohol content well above Indiana’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Schoemann was medically cleared and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. His vehicle was towed from the scene.
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.
