BEDFORD – A Springville man was arrested early Sunday morning on multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of cocaine, following a traffic stop by an Indiana State Police trooper.
Brian Austin Blanchette, 24, faces charges of OWI, a Class C misdemeanor, OWI with a prior conviction, a Level 6 felony, OWI Endangerment (Class A Misdemeanor), possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, a Level 6 felony, and trafficking with an inmate, a Level 5 felony.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Indiana State Police Trooper Logan McDowell, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 13, 2025, Trooper McDowell was using rear radar near State Road 37 and Ingram Road in Lawrence County. He observed a white 2016 Dodge Ram traveling at what appeared to be a high rate of speed, which his radar confirmed at 77 mph in a posted 60 mph zone.
Trooper McDowell initiated a traffic stop, pulling the vehicle over at State Road 37 and Old State Road 37, in front of the Marathon gas station. Upon approaching the Dodge Ram, Trooper McDowell identified the driver as Brian Austin Blanchette.
Blanchette reportedly asked if he was stopped for speeding and stated he was coming from downtown Bloomington, where he had picked up his brother, the passenger in the vehicle. Trooper McDowell noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Blanchette, whose eyes were bloodshot, and whose manual dexterity appeared poor.
When asked if he had been drinking, Blanchette admitted to consuming “a little” Jack Daniels and Coke, later specifying five double shots.
Trooper McDowell conducted standard field sobriety tests. While Blanchette passed the Walk and Turn and One-Leg Stand tests, he exhibited all six clues during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, indicating impairment. A preliminary breath test administered at the scene yielded a result of .146.
Blanchette initially hesitated but ultimately consented to a chemical test. After calling his father, he was handcuffed and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. At the jail, a certified breath test administered by Deputy Long of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department showed a result of 0.136.
During a search of Blanchette’s person at the jail, correctional staff discovered approximately 1-2 grams of suspected cocaine inside his sock. The alleged drug has been sent to a lab for testing.
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.
