BEDFORD— Bedford Police Department officers arrested Tyler S. Guthrie, 33, of Mitchell, on multiple charges following a traffic stop on Sunday, March 16, at approximately 12:45 p.m.
Guthrie has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI with a prior conviction, OWI endangerment, and resisting arrest.
The incident unfolded when Bedford Police Officer Sarah Haluda was stopped at the intersection of 18th and M Streets in Bedford. Officer Haluda observed a blue Chevrolet pickup truck traveling south on M Street at a high speed, and the driver disregarded a red light. The vehicle continued to accelerate through the intersection without stopping.
Officer Haluda followed the truck and initiated a traffic stop near 21st and M Streets. As the vehicle came to a stop, Officer Haluda witnessed the driver, Guthrie, throw an object out of the driver’s side window. Upon approaching the truck, Guthrie displayed erratic behavior, yelling at the officer, making erratic movements inside the vehicle, and refusing to comply with commands.
Despite multiple orders to exit the vehicle, Guthrie remained uncooperative, and Officer Haluda was forced to draw her firearm. Guthrie continued to argue and resisted commands to exit the truck. Guthrie was eventually removed from the vehicle after a prolonged struggle and placed under arrest by Officer Haluda and Officer Steven Hatton Jr.
Upon arrest, Guthrie exhibited signs of possible impairment, including struggling to stand still and displaying pinpoint pupils. Despite initially denying any impairment, Guthrie later admitted to having recently used marijuana and was taking several prescription medications. He refused to submit to a field sobriety test or provide a sample for a SoToxa test, which is used to detect drug impairment.
The vehicle was inventoried, and Jackson’s Heavy Haul impounded Guthrie’s vehicle.
At 2:14 p.m., Judge Plummer issued a warrant for a blood draw at IU Health Bedford Hospital. Guthrie’s prior criminal history includes a 2019 conviction for OWI controlled substance and a pending OWI case from 2023.
Guthrie was also issued state citations for disregarding the stoplight and refusing to submit to the chemical test in addition to the criminal charges.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
