BEDFORD – An Orleans man was arrested on Friday, April 25, after a concerned citizen reported that his vehicle was swerving all over State Road 37.
At approximately 6:47 p.m., Bedford Police Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a gray Jeep traveling south on State Road 37 from the Needmore area, reportedly driving erratically. Officer Bell located the vehicle stopped at the intersection of 29th Street and State Road 37. As Officer Bell approached, the Jeep quickly changed lanes, and while doing so, its passenger-side tires crossed into the turn lane before it corrected. Officer Bell then observed the Jeep drift over the white fog line with both passenger side tires and initiated a traffic stop south of the 39th Street intersection.
Officer Bell contacted the driver, Austin Tincher, using a temporary Indiana Driver’s License. Tincher was informed of the reason for the stop and the complaint about his driving. He denied being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Officer Bell noted that Tincher was taking rapid, shallow breaths and his hands were shaking. Tincher was asked to exit the vehicle and agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Tincher initially provided consent to a vehicle search. However, due to Tincher’s hesitation regarding the search, Officer Bell deployed his K9 partner, Castiel, for a free air sniff of the vehicle. Castiel reportedly gave a positive alert for the odor of narcotics at the driver’s door.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, which allegedly yielded the following:
- A clear plastic bag containing cocaine was found in the top portion of the center console
- A rolled U.S. dollar bill containing a crystal meth substance, located in the area of the driver’s seat.
- Several pieces of cocaine were located in the center console cup holder
- Several rolled forms of U.S. currency.
Tincher was then placed in handcuffs and transported to the Bedford Police Department for processing and subsequently to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. During processing at the police department, officers allegedly located another clear plastic bag containing cocaine in Tincher’s pants.
Tincher’s vehicle was inventoried and towed by Stone City Collision.
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.
