MITCHELL — An Orleans woman was arrested after police say a traffic stop led to allegations that she was operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Mitchell Police Officer Jacob McMillen, Lori A. Hart, 45, was arrested on a preliminary charge of OWI, a Class A misdemeanor.
McMillen reported he and Officer Phillip Emery were patrolling near State Road 60 East and South 9th Street at about 11:31 p.m. July 14 when they observed a dark-colored Chevrolet pickup truck traveling with a taillight that appeared to be out.
According to the affidavit, Emery conducted a traffic stop after the vehicle turned onto South 9th Street, with McMillen assisting as a secondary officer.
Police identified the driver as Hart. The affidavit states officers observed Hart’s vehicle partially parked on the roadway and partially in the grass. McMillen reported Hart had slurred speech and glossy eyes during the initial contact.
According to the affidavit, Hart told officers she had not consumed alcohol and said her appearance of impairment was related to a previous brain injury. However, when asked if a preliminary breath test would show a result of zero, Hart reportedly said she had consumed two beers while at a friend’s home.
McMillen then conducted standardized field sobriety tests, according to the affidavit. Police reported Hart showed several indicators of impairment during the tests and was unable to complete some portions.
The affidavit states that Hart submitted to a preliminary breath test that showed a result of 0.246. After being read Indiana’s implied consent advisement, Hart was transported to the Bedford Police Department, where she submitted to a certified breath test that showed a result of 0.222 BrAC.
Hart was taken to IU Health Bedford for medical clearance before being transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
