BEDFORD – A Bedford woman was arrested early Friday morning on multiple charges related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated after a series of erratic driving behaviors.
Patrice L. Garrison, 32, is facing charges of OWI with a prior, OWI endangerment with a previous conviction, and OWI per se with a blood alcohol content exceeding 0.15 percent.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Zakry E. Brooking of the Bedford Police Department, the incident began around 1:29 a.m. when Officer Brooking observed Garrison’s blue Chevrolet Traverse traveling in the wrong lane of traffic on 6th Street. The vehicle swerved to avoid hitting a parked car and continued driving in the oncoming lane for several blocks.
After witnessing this behavior, Officer Brooking activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop on 6th Street between R and Q Streets. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer immediately recognized Garrison from a prior incident earlier that evening.
During the interaction, Officer Brooking noted the strong smell of alcohol on Garrison’s breath and observed slurred speech and red, glassy eyes. She was asked to exit the vehicle and perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which she initially agreed to.
Despite understanding the instructions, Garrison displayed significant impairment during the tests. She struggled to maintain balance and failed to follow directions accurately.
A preliminary breath test indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.185, and after being advised of her rights, Garrison consented to a chemical test at the Bedford Police Department. The certified breath test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.170.
Garrison reportedly told officers that she started her alcohol consumption around 9 p.m., consuming two Smirnoff Pink Lemonades and two shots of Crown Royal, and had stopped drinking about an hour before leaving her residence to buy cigarettes.
Following her arrest, Garrison was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where she was processed. Police inventoried the Chevrolet Traverse, which Blands Wrecker Service towed.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
