BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Friday evening after he was found unresponsive in his vehicle, which was parked in the northbound lane of Beech Street near 16th Street. Zachary A. Conrad, 29, of Bedford, was charged after failing field sobriety tests and testing positive for cannabis use.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:57 p.m. when an officer on duty, driving an unmarked patrol vehicle, noticed a stationary car blocking the northbound lane. The vehicle, a 2015 white Chevrolet Volt was occupied by Conrad. The officer turned around to investigate further and spoke to Conrad, who admitted to falling asleep while driving.
When the officer spoke with Conrad, his speech was described as slow, and he appeared disoriented. The officer instructed Conrad to step out of the vehicle, at which point Conrad was observed to be unsteady on his feet, staggering as he attempted to comply.
The officer attempted to administer field sobriety tests, but Conrad fell asleep during the first test. A subsequent oral fluid analysis conducted by law enforcement showed a positive result for cannabis use.
Conrad was transported to IU Health Bedford for medical treatment. While at the hospital, Conrad refused to submit to a breathalyzer test, prompting officers to apply for a search warrant to collect a blood sample, which Judge John Plummer III granted.
Conrad was then transported to the Lawrence County Security Center for processing and is facing charges related to operating a vehicle under the influence of cannabis.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
