BEDFORD – A Kentucky man was arrested on felony-level intoxication charges Sunday afternoon after a concerned motorist reported his pickup truck swerving dangerously on State Road 37.
Ober Morales, 29, was taken into custody by the Lawrence County Police Department following a high-speed response by multiple officers.
The incident began at approximately 4:07 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, when a female witness alerted Lawrence County Central Dispatch to a white pickup truck driving erratically southbound near the intersection of State Road 37 and Old State Road 37.
Sgt. R. Compton and Officers Hogan and Martin responded to the area, positioning themselves north of the Salt Creek Bridge. Within moments, they spotted a white 2023 Ford F-350 with Kentucky plates. According to the probable cause affidavit, the reporting party was following directly behind the truck, flashing their headlights to signal the officers.
When Sgt. Compton activated his emergency lights, the truck initially failed to stop. The vehicle reportedly made several “jerky movements” and activated its hazard lights, but continued traveling southbound even after sirens were engaged. The truck eventually came to a halt south of 5th Street.
Upon approaching the vehicle, officers discovered two occupants and a floorboard littered with open containers of Modelo beer.
Due to a language barrier, officers utilized Google Translate to communicate with Morales. Officer Hogan reported that Morales admitted to consuming approximately eight alcoholic beverages before driving.
The investigation revealed significant levels of intoxication. Morales provided a portable breath test sample of 0.218 BrAC, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08. After being read Indiana’s Implied Consent, Morales refused further chemical testing.
Sgt. Compton obtained a search warrant for a blood draw from Judge Robert Cline. The sample was collected at IU Health Bedford Hospital at 5:44 p.m.
Morales was arrested on-site and faces the following charges: operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment, and OWI
The passenger, who also admitted to drinking and did not have a valid license, was not permitted to drive the vehicle. The truck was towed from the scene by Stone City Wrecker Service.
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.
