BEDFORD — A Shoals man is facing multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction, after employees at a local Jiffy Lube reported him for allegedly smoking marijuana and drinking a beer while waiting for an oil change.
Officer Haluda arrived and observed Jay L. Sutton, 63, of Shoals, sitting in the driver’s seat of a black 2006 BMW Z4 with the convertible top down. The officer immediately detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. An employee told the officer they had watched Sutton drink a beer and light the joint while interacting with them.
When asked to exit the vehicle, Sutton was reportedly unsteady on his feet and staggered away from the car. He admitted to having an open beer and marijuana in the vehicle, stating he had consumed two Miller High Life beers.
During the investigation, Sutton initially refused to participate in standardized field sobriety tests or submit to a portable breath test. He later agreed to perform the tests but demonstrated a consistent inability to follow instructions and failed the tests.
Sutton ultimately agreed to a breath test, which resulted in a blood alcohol content of .056. After being advised of Indiana’s Implied Consent law, he refused to take a certified chemical test.
While at the scene, Officer Jones located an open, half-empty Miller High Life under the driver’s seat of the BMW and additional unopened beers in a cooler. Sutton was also observed attempting to conceal a pre-rolled cigarette by tossing it into a nearby trash can, which later field-tested positive for marijuana.
A criminal history check revealed that Sutton has a prior OWI conviction from Martin County in December 2020.
BPD obtained a warrant for Sutton’s blood, which was drawn at IU Health Bedford Hospital and sent to the State Department of Toxicology for testing. Sutton was then transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing on charges of OWI with a prior conviction, possession of marijuana, obstruction of justice, OWI refusal, and open container.
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.
