BEDFORD — A local woman faces multiple charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated after a high-speed pursuit early Saturday morning led to a specialized drug recognition investigation.
Elisabeth Brown, 45, of Bedford, was taken into custody on February 21, 2026, after Bedford Police observed her vehicle traveling at speeds exceeding 80 mph and weaving dangerously across the roadway.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., Officer Sarah Haluda was patrolling near John Williams Boulevard and James Avenue when she observed a dark-colored sedan make a rapid turn and accelerate toward US 37.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the vehicle weaved repeatedly between the centerline and the fog line. Despite Officer Haluda activating her emergency lights near 16th Street, the driver continued for another half-mile before finally coming to a stop.
Upon contact, Officer Haluda noted that Brown’s movements were “slow and deliberate.” Brown initially claimed she was unaware of her speed or the police vehicle behind her.
During the investigation, Brown’s performance on standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) indicated significant impairment.
While Brown initially denied using any substances, she eventually admitted to taking alprazolam (Xanax) within four hours of the stop. Following a further Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE) at the police station, she also confessed to consuming at least three glasses of wine.
A preliminary breath test (PBT) showed a .040% BAC, which, when combined with central nervous system (CNS) depressants and narcotic analgesics she admitted to taking, created what officers described as a dangerous level of impairment.
“Brown stated to me that she could feel the alprazolam affecting her,” Officer Haluda noted in the affidavit.
During an inventory of the vehicle, officers located a THC vape pen and a partial alprazolam pill. While the pill was returned to Brown due to a valid prescription, the vape pen was confiscated for destruction.
Brown was transported to IU Health Bedford for a legal blood draw at 2:43 a.m. before being remanded to the Lawrence County Jail. She faces the following preliminary charges of OWI and OWI endangerment.
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.
