BEDFORD – A local man with a history of impaired driving is back in custody after Bedford Police officers observed “avoidant behavior” and erratic driving early Saturday evening.
Austin Jovanovich, 26, of Bedford, was arrested on March 28, 2026, after a traffic stop at Revere’s Food and Fuel revealed a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) more than double the legal limit.
The incident began when Captain Emmons observed Jovanovich entering a vehicle in a parking lot on M Street. According to the affidavit, the vehicle remained parked and refused to move until the officer’s patrol car had left the intersection.
Suspicious of the behavior, Captain Emmons relocated the vehicle to 5th Street and State Road 37. While following, the officer reportedly witnessed the blue passenger car turn without signaling and make “sudden jerky movements” within its lane. The vehicle was eventually stopped at the Revere’s gas station on 16th Street.
Upon making contact, officers noted that Jovanovich was unsteady on his feet, had bloodshot eyes, and smelled of alcohol. While he initially denied drinking, he eventually admitted to having “three beers” at local bars.
Officer Sarah Haluda conducted standardized field sobriety tests, which he failed.
Jovanovich requested a preliminary breath test, which resulted in a .191 BrAC. A later certified breath test at the Bedford Police Department registered a .200, precisely two and a half times the legal limit of .08.
A check of Jovanovich’s driving record revealed he was currently operating on a conditional hardship license following a “suspended-prior” status. He was unable to provide officers with the required copy of his driving agreement on the scene.
Further investigation into his criminal history showed two prior OWI convictions in Lawrence County, dating back to March 2019 and October 2023.
Jovanovich faces the following preliminary charges of operating a vehicle with a prior conviction, OWI endangerment, OWI per SE over 0.15 percent, and violation of conditional driving status.
Jovanovich was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. The vehicle was left legally parked at the gas station, and a passenger was released to a sober driver.
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.
