LAWRENCE CO. – A Mitchell woman is facing felony drug charges and misdemeanor operating while intoxicated charges following a three-vehicle accident in October 2024.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Department Officer Andrew D. Tillett, officers responded to a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of State Road 37 and Old State Road 37 on October 30, 2024. Dispatch had received calls before the crash indicating that one of the vehicles involved, driven by a female, was “all over the roadway” and the caller believed the driver to be intoxicated.
Upon arrival, Officer Tillett observed a white 2002 Pontiac Sunfire with heavy front-end damage, driven by Key. In front of her vehicle were a black GMC Terrain and a red Buick Enclave, both of which had rear-end damage.
When Officer Tillett spoke with Key, he noted her speech was “less than clear” and observed a “white powdery substance in her nostril.” Key claimed she had an issue with a tire, causing her to swerve, and denied taking any medications. Due to her injuries, field sobriety tests could not be conducted.
After Key was moved to an ambulance by EMS personnel, Officer Tillett observed a pill grinder containing a white powdery substance in the floorboard behind the driver’s seat of her vehicle. Officer Tillett noted that such grinders are often used to crush pills for snorting. A field test of the substance yielded a positive result for heroin/opiates. Another pill grinder with a white powdery substance was found in the vehicle’s center console.
Key agreed to a chemical test at IU Health Bloomington.
On March 30, 2025, Officer Tillett reviewed the results of Key’s blood sample from the Indiana State Department of Toxicology, which tested positive for 7-Aminoclonazepam, Clonazepam, and Oxycodone. The analysis of the powder found in one of the pill grinders also revealed the presence of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone.
Based on the evidence, Officer Tillett requested a warrant for Key’s arrest on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated – controlled substance, a Class C misdemeanor, and possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, a Level 6 felony. Key was detained on Monday, June 2.
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.
