BEDFORD – A Bloomington man has been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence and attempting to bribe law enforcement following a series of incidents on the night of Friday, September 13.
According to an affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Department Officer Bailey Duprey, Charles S. Holtsclaw Jr, 32, was arrested after a disturbance involving his vehicle. Holtsclaw faces charges of operating while intoxicated and bribery.
The incident began when Lawrence County Central Dispatch received a call reporting that Holtsclaw had driven over a fire hydrant at 55 Patton View. Officer Duprey and Sgt. W. Anderson responded to the scene where a 2020 black Dodge Charger was blocking the roadway. The police affidavit reported that Holtsclaw, who was found exiting the vehicle, displayed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, glossy eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol.
According to police, Holtsclaw initially claimed he had become stuck after taking a wrong turn to meet someone. He alleged that the property owner had threatened him with a baseball bat, but no injuries were observed, and he did not appear to be in pain.
When offered the opportunity to perform standard field sobriety tests, Holtsclaw declined. He was subsequently informed of his rights and the implications of refusing a chemical test. Holtsclaw’s refusal led to his arrest and transport to IU Health Bedford Hospital after a warrant was issued for a blood draw.
During the transport, Holtsclaw commented that he was attempting to bribe the officers. He asked, “What would it take, 15 grand?” When confronted about his comments, he suggested he just wanted to “Take me out to lunch.”
At the hospital, Holtsclaw was cooperative during the blood draw and was later evaluated and cleared by medical staff. He was then transported to the Lawrence County Security Center without further incident.
Further investigation revealed additional details from witnesses at 55 Patton View. Residents reported that Holtsclaw’s engine was revving to get unstuck and eventually backed over the fire hydrant. When the male witness approached to offer assistance, Holtsclaw threatened to use a firearm, prompting the male to retrieve a shovel in response.
All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are accusations, and the legal process will determine the outcome based on the evidence presented.
