BEDFORD– A Bedford man was arrested on Saturday, February 8, 2025, after crashing his vehicle into a fence and telephone pole while allegedly driving under the influence, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.
Officer J. Rhoades responded to a call from a male resident who reported that an unknown male had crashed a Chevrolet pickup truck onto his property in the 2000 block of Ramsey Ridge Road in Heltonville. The caller said the male driver appeared intoxicated.
Upon arrival, Officer Rhoades observed a broken telephone pole with power lines down in the roadway and the damaged vehicle, which had veered approximately 40 yards off the road. The driver, identified as 47-year-old Richard A. Hunter of Bedford, displayed multiple signs of intoxication, including unsteady balance, red and glassy eyes, and the odor of alcohol. A cut was visible on his lower lip, with dried blood around his mouth.
During questioning, Hunter admitted to consuming alcohol and stated he had “more than enough” to drink. He explained that he had fallen asleep at the wheel and awoke only upon crashing into the fence. Officer Rhoades administered a preliminary breath test, which yielded a result of 0.318 BAC, nearly four times the legal limit of 0.08.
Medical personnel arrived at the scene and determined Hunter’s injury was minor. He was transported to the Lawrence County Security Center, where a certified breath test confirmed a blood alcohol content of 0.276. Following medical clearance at IU Health, Hunter was booked into the Lawrence County Security Center on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
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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