BEDFORD — A 58-year-old Bedford man was arrested early Thursday morning on multiple operating while intoxicated charges after police observed his vehicle driving at extremely low speeds and swerving near Parkview Elementary School.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Captain Max Uebelhoer, the incident began at approximately 3:43 a.m. on August 27, 2026. Captain Uebelhoer was on routine patrol traveling southbound on Brian Lane Way when he spotted a white Ford Fusion traveling in front of him.
Officers reported the vehicle was braking frequently and driving at speeds ranging between 3 and 6 mph. After coming to a prolonged stop at a stop sign near the Parkview Elementary School intersection—despite no crossing traffic or pedestrians—the vehicle continued southbound toward 19th Street, continuing to apply its brakes, stopping multiple times, and listing heavily to the right into angled parking spots on the west side of the road.
Captain Uebelhoer initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Paul E. Freeman, 58, of Bedford.
Upon rolling down his window, officers detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. Freeman told police he was attempting to go for a walk at the Parkview track, though officers noted he had already driven past it. When asked how much he had consumed, Freeman initially said “not much,” but later admitted to consuming Fireball whiskey shooters. Officers observed that Freeman had slurred speech, red, glassy eyes, and appeared to have soiled himself.
Due to physical impairment and leg pain, officers had to assist Freeman out of the vehicle. Captain Uebelhoer attempted to administer a horizontal gaze nystagmus field sobriety test, but the test was terminated after Freeman was unable to follow instructions or maintain an upright posture. A Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) yielded a result of 0.342% BrAC—more than four times the legal limit of 0.08%.
After being read Indiana’s Implied Consent Warning, Freeman refused a voluntary chemical test. Captain Uebelhoer subsequently obtained a search warrant for a blood draw, signed by Lawrence Circuit Court Judge Nathan Nikirk at 4:48 a.m.
Freeman was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital, where nursing staff completed a blood draw at 5:33 a.m. The blood samples were sealed and submitted to the Indiana State Department of Toxicology for evaluation.
Following medical clearance at the hospital, Freeman was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and remanded to the custody of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.
He faces preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 percent or greater, and OWI refusal.
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.
