BEDFORD — A Springville woman was arrested late Saturday night after a Bedford Police officer observed multiple traffic violations leading to a driving under the influence investigation.
Michelle R. Taylor, 55, was taken into custody on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) following a stop near the intersection of State Road 37 and 5th Street.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Taylor Daugherty, the incident began around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Officer Daugherty observed a black 2005 Chevrolet Colorado make a wide right-hand turn onto State Road 37, failing to stay in the far right lane. The officer also noted that the vehicle’s license plate light was inoperable.
Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Taylor, the officer reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. Taylor reportedly exhibited glossy, bloodshot eyes and “poor manual dexterity” while attempting to retrieve her driver’s license. When questioned, Taylor initially stated she had consumed “one beer” at a friend’s house.
Officer Daugherty conducted several field sobriety tests, which Taylor failed. A preliminary breath test performed at the scene yielded a positive result of 0.158% BAC, nearly double Indiana’s legal limit of .08%.
Following the breath test, Taylor was read her Miranda rights and the Indiana Implied Consent warning. During a subsequent inventory of her vehicle, officers discovered a large foam cup in the center console containing beer. A second, unopened beer can was found on the passenger seat. Taylor reportedly admitted the cup contained beer and that she had been drinking from it.
Taylor was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital, where a certified blood draw was performed at 11:58 p.m. She was then transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.
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.
