BEDFORD – A Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputy detained a driver after he spotted him traveling on Mitchell Road with an expired license plate.
Deputy Tillett was on patrol on Friday, April 12, when he spotted the white 2013 Dodge and stopped near N Street.
Deputy Tillett said the driver, 43-year-old Terry Lewis, was shaking and clenching his teeth and making erratic movements. Deputy Tillett believed Lewis was under the influence of a stimulant. When asked if he was under the influence, Lewis admitted he was a former meth addict but hadn’t used it for a “long time.”
Lewis was asked to submit to a SoToxa. This handheld analyzer uses an oral fluid swab to detect the presence of six kinds of drugs: cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, cannabis (THC), amphetamine, and benzodiazepines.
He failed the test and admitted he had used meth the night before and that morning. He also failed several field sobriety tests. He also submitted to a blood test at IU Heath Bedford Hospital.
Lewis was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance. He received a written warning for the expired license plate.
The vehicle was released to Lewis’ employer.
