LAWRENCE CO. — A Greenwood woman was arrested on several charges, including a Level 6 felony, following a high-speed traffic stop on State Road 37 Thursday evening.
Brittany L. Hamilton, 35, was taken into custody on March 5th, after Indiana State Police observed her driving significantly over the speed limit with a child in the vehicle.
At approximately 5:23 p.m., Trooper Sam Gillespie initiated a traffic stop on a blue 2015 Buick Encore traveling 79 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone near Washboard Road. As the vehicle attempted to pull onto the right shoulder, it struck a mile marker sign located just off the edge of the roadway.
Upon making contact with the driver, troopers reported a strong odor of cannabis and alcoholic beverages coming from the vehicle and noted that Hamilton’s eyes appeared glassy.
During a post-Miranda interview, Hamilton reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day. However, she refused to participate in all field sobriety tests and also declined a certified chemical test.
A subsequent search of the vehicle and a bag within it uncovered a plastic bag containing plant material that later tested positive for marijuana and a glass smoking device.
Due to the refusal of a certified test, Trooper Ben Burris applied for and received a search warrant for a blood sample, which was later obtained at IU Health Bedford.
The investigation revealed that Hamilton’s 10-year-old son was a passenger in the back seat at the time of the stop. Under Indiana law, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a minor passenger is an elevated offense.
Hamilton was booked into the Lawrence County Security Center on the following preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger less than 18 years old, possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
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.
