BEDFORD — A late-night traffic stop on State Road 37 led to the arrest of an Illinois woman on multiple operating while intoxicated charges early Sunday morning.
Ashley D. Baca, 40, of Lombard, Illinois, was taken into custody on March 15th, after a Bedford Police Department officer observed her vehicle driving erratically.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Captain Max Uebelhoer of the Bedford Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a red 2013 Ford Fusion near the intersection of State Road 37 and 5th Street at approximately 12:10 AM. Captain Uebelhoer reported that the vehicle had been drifting in and out of its lane, creating a hazard for other motorists.
When questioned by Trooper Cody R. Brown of the Indiana State Police, Baca reportedly admitted she was holding her phone and looking for directions, which she claimed caused the unsafe lane movement.
During the investigation, Trooper Brown noted several indicators of impairment. According to court documents, Baca had “glossy” eyes, smelled of alcohol, and demonstrated poor manual dexterity and balance.
Trooper Brown conducted a series of standardized field sobriety tests, which Baca reportedly failed. While she was unable to provide a sufficient sample for a portable breath test after multiple attempts, a preliminary reading of 0.201% BAC was recorded at the scene—more than twice the legal limit.
Baca allegedly refused to submit to a certified chemical test, prompting officers to obtain a search warrant for her blood. The warrant was granted by a judge and executed at IU Health Bedford at approximately 1:42 a.m.
Following the blood draw, Baca was transported to the Lawrence County Jail. She faces the following preliminary charges: operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15% or greater, OWI endangerment, was issued citations for using a cell phone while driving, and unsafe lane movement
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.
