BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested early Tuesday morning on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and OWI per se after his car reportedly stopped in a traffic lane. Justin F. Sowders, 23, was taken into custody by officers with the Bedford Police Department.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Joshua Turner, at approximately 3:10 a.m. on July 15, he observed a 2004 Maroon Mazda Tribute with no license plate displayed turn onto 29th Street from Ted Jones Drive. The vehicle then activated its hazard lights and came to a stop in the eastbound lane, blocking traffic.
As Officer Turner approached the vehicle, he saw a male, later identified as Justin Sowders, exit the driver’s door. Sowders informed the officer that his car had malfunctioned. While speaking with Sowders, Officer Turner noted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, slurred speech, and red, glossy eyes.
Sowders told Officer Turner he had consumed one Smirnoff three or four hours prior. He agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which he failed. A preliminary breath test (PBT) administered by Officer Turner yielded a result of 0.099 BrAC.
After being read Indiana’s Implied Consent law, Sowders agreed to a chemical test and stated he understood his Miranda Warnings. He then admitted to consuming two Smirnoffs, believing he had spaced them out sufficiently to drive. He said he was trying to drive home to his apartment in the complex.
Sowders was arrested and transported to the Bedford Police Station. After a 15-minute observation period, a certified breath test was administered using an Intox EC/IR II. The results of this chemical test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.091 g/210L at 4:08 a.m. on July 15, 2025.
Justin F. Sowders was subsequently transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. Stone City Collision towed 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.
