BEDFORD – A Bedford man faces multiple operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges following a serious accident that occurred on July 26, 2024, where his vehicle ended up on its roof after striking two parked vehicles.
Lester Martin, 68, of Bedford, was charged with multiple counts of operating while intoxicated, including OWI-endangerment after toxicology reports revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.225 percent, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08.
According to the Bedford Police Department, officers responded to reports of an overturned vehicle at approximately 5:55 p.m. on 15th Street. Upon arrival, they found Martin trapped inside his overturned maroon Toyota. Officer Sarah Haluda, who was familiar with Martin from previous encounters, reported that he was minimally responsive and admitted to drinking before the incident.
Investigation of the scene revealed that Martin’s vehicle had first struck a parked Chevrolet on the north side of the road, apparently driving up onto its rear driver’s side tire. The vehicle then continued westbound, leaving visible scrape marks and paint transfer on the roadway, before striking a Dodge pickup truck parked on the south side of the street. Martin’s vehicle finally came to rest approximately 100 feet from the initial impact point.
Bedford Fire Department personnel extracted Martin from the vehicle, and he was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for treatment of his injuries. While at the hospital, Martin consented to a blood draw, which the Indiana State Department of Toxicology later analyzed.
The owners of both damaged vehicles were contacted regarding the incident, and Stone City Collision towed Martin’s vehicle from the scene. A state crash report has been filed and updated with the toxicology results.
The Bedford Police Department has requested an arrest warrant for Martin. He was arrested on that warrant on Saturday, October 19.
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.
