BEDFORD— A Bedford woman was arrested late Wednesday night on multiple charges, including operating while intoxicated and drug possession, after police say she ran a stop sign and failed to signal during a turn.
According to an affidavit filed by Officer Taylor Daugherty of the Bedford Police Department, Shannon Baker, 45, was stopped around 11:57 p.m. near the 800 block of I Street after she allegedly disregarded a stop sign at 7th and J streets and turned without signaling.
During the stop, Officer Daugherty observed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and poor manual dexterity. Baker reportedly admitted to drinking a “couple beers” earlier in the day and to smoking marijuana after getting off work.
A field sobriety test showed signs of impairment, and a preliminary breath test indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.118 percent. Baker later consented to a certified chemical test, which confirmed the same result.
Police said they observed a leafy substance on Baker’s jeans and, upon questioning, she admitted to possessing marijuana in what she referred to as a “pot pocket” in a mesh bag on the driver’s side floorboard. Officers also recovered a glass smoking device, a metal grinder, plastic baggies containing a leafy substance, paper clips with burnt residue, and a lighter.
Baker was transported to the Lawrence County Jail early Thursday and faces charges of operating while intoxicated, OWI endangerment, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.
Captain Uebelhoer also responded to the scene and conducted a breath test on the passenger, who tested negative for alcohol and was permitted to drive the vehicle home.
All evidence was documented and submitted as part of the ongoing investigation.
