BEDFORD — A local man faces multiple charges, including a high-level OWI and resisting law enforcement, after police responded to a reported domestic disturbance Thursday afternoon.
Ethan A. Patton, 36, of Bedford, was taken into custody on March 5, 2026, after officers were called to a residence in the 600 block of W Street regarding a stalking complaint.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer J. Landon Jones of the Bedford Police Department, the caller reported that Patton was at the residence against the wishes of his ex-girlfriend and her mother. Upon arrival, Officer Jones observed Patton sitting in the driver’s seat of a gray Ford F-150 with the keys in the ignition.
As the officer approached, he noted that Patton’s eyes were red and glassy, his speech was slurred, and a strong odor of alcohol was emitting from both his person and the vehicle. Patton’s ex-girlfriend informed police that their relationship had recently ended due to his ongoing issues with alcohol.
Although Patton initially denied drinking, he agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests. Officer Jones reported that Patton failed the horizontal gaze nystagmus test and was unable to follow instructions for the walk and turn test, repeatedly stepping out of position.
When officers attempted to place Patton in handcuffs, he reportedly began to resist by powerfully pulling his arms away. After a brief struggle, Patton was escorted to the ground and secured. Police noted that he remained uncooperative, refusing to enter the patrol vehicle voluntarily.
Patton was transported to IU Health Bedford, where he submitted to a preliminary breath test. The results indicated a breath alcohol concentration of .312% — nearly four times the legal limit of .08%.
Due to his level of impairment, officers found him unable to understand the Indiana Implied Consent warning. A search warrant for a blood draw was subsequently granted by Judge Anah Gouty and executed at the hospital.
Following medical clearance, Patton was incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail. He faces preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a blood-alcohol level of .15 percent or greater, public intoxication, and resisting arrest by force.
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.
