BEDFORD — A local woman faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a traffic stop Monday evening revealed she was allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of narcotics with two juveniles on board.
Audra J. Mason, 36, of Bedford, was taken into custody on March 9 following a series of events that began with a high-speed traffic violation.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer J. Landon Jones of the Bedford Police Department, the incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. Officer Jones was patrolling the area of 18th and G Streets when he observed a white Volkswagen traveling at a high rate of speed on 17th Street.
The officer reported that the vehicle completely disregarded a 4-way stop at the intersection of 17th and G Streets, with the driver only applying the brakes after nearly clearing the intersection. Officer Jones initiated a traffic stop in a parking lot near 17th and H Streets.
Upon making contact with Mason, Officer Jones noted several signs of potential impairment.
Mason reportedly admitted to taking two Klonopin (a prescription sedative) and stated she smokes marijuana recreationally, though she denied recent illegal drug use.
The investigation escalated as Mason underwent a battery of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Police noted several “clues” of impairment during the tests, including a loss of balance and failure to follow specific instructions.
An Indiana State Trooper assisted at the scene with a SOTOXA mobile testing unit. According to the affidavit, the device yielded a positive result for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cannabis.
Despite these results, Mason allegedly continued to deny illegal drug use and refused to submit to a voluntary chemical test under Indiana’s Implied Consent laws.
At the time of the stop, two children were passengers in the vehicle. Following Mason’s arrest, the children were released into the custody of their grandmother. Mason’s vehicle was inventoried and towed from the scene.
Officer Jones obtained a search warrant for a blood draw, which was granted by Judge Robert Cline of the Lawrence Superior Court II. Mason was transported to IU Health Bedford for the procedure before being booked into the Lawrence County Jail.
Mason faces the following preliminary charges of two counts of neglect of a dependent, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 18, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a controlled substance, and OWI refusal.
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.
