BEDFORD — A Bedford woman is facing felony charges after authorities say she was found “blackout drunk” while responsible for two young children. Cassi Dawn Ritchison, 43, was arrested following a welfare check at a residence on 13th Street on the afternoon of January 29, 2026.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Captain Dakoda Emmons of the Bedford Police Department, officers were dispatched to the home at approximately 4:55 p.m. A caller reported that Ritchison had recently left rehabilitation and was believed to be drinking again.
Upon arrival, Captain Emmons noted that Ritchison struggled with basic motor skills, including locating the doorknob to her own exterior door. The affidavit describes Ritchison as having bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and poor balance.
During questioning, Ritchison allegedly admitted to “drinking a lot today” while babysitting her two grandchildren, ages 4 and 6. A preliminary breath test (PBT) performed at the scene yielded a .340 BAC—more than four times the legal driving limit in Indiana.
The investigation revealed a troubling timeline of the day’s events. At 8:00 a.m. Ritchison began watching the children.
Surveillance footage from Kindred Spirits liquor store on L Street shows Ritchison arriving on foot, unaccompanied, to purchase seven liquor “shooters” at 8:30 a.m.
Ritchison admitted to leaving the children alone at the residence for approximately 25 minutes while she walked to the liquor store. Police located an empty 101-proof spiced rum shooter on a table next to where Ritchison was sitting.
Ritchison was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being processed. She now faces two counts of neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony in Indiana. Under state law, a Level 6 felony can carry a sentence ranging from six months to two and a half years in prison.
The Department of Child Services (DCS) was contacted and has opened a formal report regarding the children’s welfare. The children were released into their mother’s care, who arrived at the scene during the police intervention.
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.
