BEDFORD — A Bedford man faces multiple criminal charges, including high-level operating a vehicle while intoxicated, following a dangerous driving incident on US Highway 50 East on Thursday evening.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Deputy Michael Martin of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began around 6:51 p.m. on February 12, 2026. Central Dispatch received reports of an erratic driver traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of US 50 East without headlights.
The suspect vehicle, a white Ford Escape, was located parked at the D and D Starstop gas station. Deputy Martin observed a male, later identified as Gavin Pruett, 23, of Bedford, exiting the station. According to the report, Pruett appeared to be staggering and unsteady on his feet before entering the driver’s seat and starting the vehicle.
After initiating a traffic stop near the intersection of US 50 East and Stars Boulevard, Deputy Martin detected the odor of alcohol. Pruett reportedly admitted to consuming a Long Island iced tea at a local bar shortly before the interaction.
Deputies conducted a series of standardized field Sobriety tests, during which Pruett allegedly displayed numerous signs of impairment.
A preliminary breath test performed at the scene resulted in a reading of 0.206%, more than double the legal limit of 0.08%.
Pruett was transported to IU Health Bedford for a consensual blood draw before being booked into the Lawrence County Jail. He faces the following preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or greater, OWI endangerment, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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.
