MITCHELL– A Mitchell man was arrested on Thursday, January 23, after being pulled over for erratic driving on Indiana State Road 37.
The driver was identified as Medford Wayne McPherson Jr., 68, of Mitchell.
According to an affidavit filed by Mitchell Police Sergeant Jacob Kuhlman, officers were dispatched to respond to the area after reports of an erratic driver in a blue SUV reportedly driving recklessly near Shorty’s Bar & Grill in Bedford. One female caller stated that the driver nearly sideswiped her vehicle and was driving erratically, swerving across lanes, and running off the road several times.
At approximately 5:18 p.m., Sergeant Kuhlman spotted the blue Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicle on State Road 37. He observed the SUV traveling erratically between lanes for about a quarter of a mile before initiating a traffic stop. The car pulled over near the intersection of Doc Hamilton Boulevard.
Upon making contact with the driver, McPherson initially denied being involved in any accidents but admitted to consuming alcohol earlier. When asked how much he had drunk, McPherson first stated, “Three beers,” but later, after exiting the vehicle, he changed his response to “Four beers” when asked again by Officer McMillen.
McPherson was observed stumbling as he exited the vehicle, prompting officers to administer a standardized field sobriety test. Due to safety concerns about McPherson’s balance, the test was cut short. A preliminary breath test showed McPherson had a blood alcohol content of 0.209%, more than twice the legal limit.
McPherson was taken to IU Health Bedford Hospital, where he voluntarily submitted to a blood draw. He was then transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Stone City Service and Collision Center towed his vehicle.
Sgt. Kuhlman noted that McPherson was cooperative and respectful throughout the investigation despite the circumstances.
McPherson now faces charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment, and OWI with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 percent or greater.
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.
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