BEDFORD – A Mitchell man, Cory Blackwell, 39, of Mitchell, was arrested in the early hours of Friday, June 21, on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and OWI endangerment, following a traffic stop by the Bedford Police Department.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Taylor Daugherty, at approximately 1:06 a.m., Officer Daugherty observed a red 1987 Chevrolet V20 pickup truck traveling south on Mitchell Road that was unable to maintain its lane, repeatedly crossing both the center line and the fog line.
Officer Daugherty initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of 28th Street and Mitchell Road. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Cory Blackwell, Officer Daugherty detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the vehicle.
Blackwell, who stated he was heading home from a friend’s house, admitted to having “one drink”. Officer Daugherty noted Blackwell’s eyes appeared glossy and bloodshot, and an alcoholic odor was detected from his breath and person after he exited the vehicle. Blackwell reportedly acknowledged the smell, stating, “Oh I know.”
Blackwell agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which he failed. A preliminary breath test yielded a positive result for alcohol with a blood alcohol content of 0.160. He was then placed in handcuffs, read his Miranda Warning and Indiana Implied Consent, and agreed to a certified chemical test.
Blackwell was transported to the Bedford Police Department for a certified chemical breath test. The test administered at 1:54 a.m. on June 21 showed Blackwell had a blood-alcohol level of 0.141.
Cory Blackwell was subsequently transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Tow Time Towing impounded his vehicle.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
