BEDFORD — A Bedford man with a lifetime driving suspension is back in custody after allegedly driving while impaired by a cocktail of narcotics on Valentine’s Day.
Gordon R. George, 58, was arrested on the evening of February 14, 2026, following a reckless driving report that spanned from 16th Street in Bedford to the southern reaches of State Road 37.
The incident began around 7:50 p.m. when the Bedford Police Department dispatched a report of a red pickup truck that was “all over the road.” Callers reported the driver was sitting stationary at green lights and weaving dangerously between lanes.
Trooper Jesse Crane of the Indiana State Police located the red 2001 Ford F150 as it crossed the White River bridge. According to the probable cause affidavit, Trooper Crane witnessed the truck drift out of its lane before making a “hard movement” back, forcing two nearby vehicles to slam on their brakes to avoid a collision.
The truck reportedly failed to stop immediately when emergency lights were activated, continuing for over a mile at speeds of 40-45 miles per hour before finally pulling into a parking lot.
Upon being stopped, George reportedly exhibited slurred speech, poor balance, and constricted pupils. According to court documents, George admitted to the Trooper that he was wearing a fentanyl patch, had smoked marijuana earlier that day, and had taken a hydrocodone pill before getting behind the wheel.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a metal smoking device containing burnt marijuana.
During the investigation, a records check revealed that George is classified by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a lifetime habitual traffic violator. This status is reserved for drivers with a significant history of serious driving offenses, making it a felony for them to operate any motor vehicle.
George was transported to the Bedford Police Department, where he underwent Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) testing. A Sotoxa oral fluid test yielded positive results for multiple drug categories. He later consented to a formal blood draw at IU Health Bedford.
During the transport to jail, George allegedly expressed confusion, telling the Trooper he was heading to Lowe’s but realized he had already driven past the store.
George was booked into the Lawrence County Jail on the following preliminary charge being a habitual traffic violator, 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.
