BEDFORD — An 18-year-old Bedford man was taken into custody Wednesday night following a report of suspicious activity and the discovery of alcohol and drugs during a police investigation.
Aaron B. Jones, 18, faces a preliminary charge of illegal consumption of an alcoholic beverage, a Class C misdemeanor.
At approximately 8:58 p.m. on March 18th, Bedford Police officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Q Street. A caller reported seeing several individuals inside a vehicle breaking things. Officer Joshua Turner, who had responded to a call involving the same vehicle earlier that day, arrived to find five individuals walking around the car.
According to court documents, the group initially denied being inside the vehicle. However, a 13-year-old male juvenile eventually admitted that three of them had been inside, himself, a female, and a 17-year-old male. Jones, identified as the only adult in the group, and another female originally stated they had stayed out of the vehicle.
While questioning the group, Captain Emmons and Officer Turner conducted a search of the individuals and the vehicle after obtaining permission from the owner.
During the investigation, a search of one 17-year-old male reportedly uncovered a nicotine vape and a THC vape, which gave a preliminary positive result for marijuana. Officers observed several alcoholic beverage bottles inside a backpack within the car.
Preliminary breath tests were administered to everyone involved. Some of the juveniles tested negative for alcohol, but Aaron Jones and two males allegedly showed positive results.
Jones was arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. As an 18-year-old, he is charged as an adult. A conviction can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The two juveniles who tested positive for alcohol or were in possession of vapes were taken to the Bedford Police Department. Both are facing charges of illegal consumption of an alcoholic beverage, and one is facing a charge of possession of marijuana. Following standard procedure for the Lawrence County Probation Department, two were released to their parents after signing a “Promise to Appear” in juvenile court on March 25, 2026.
Police noted that the alcohol and nicotine products found at the scene were photographed for evidence and subsequently destroyed.
In Indiana, the legal drinking age is 21. For individuals between the ages of 18 and 21, illegal consumption is handled in adult criminal court.
- Class C Misdemeanor: This is the most common charge for underage drinking or possession.
- Driver’s License Impact: If an individual is found to have consumed alcohol while in a vehicle, a judge may suspend their driving privileges for up to 1 year.
- Juvenile vs. Adult: While Jones faces adult court, the others involved will go through the juvenile justice system, which focuses on “informal adjustments” and rehabilitation for first-time offenders.
