BEDFORD – A Mitchell woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated after a traffic stop early Thursday morning, March 6.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Captain Harrison Fleetwood of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Charlene R. Yarbrough, 34, was pulled over at approximately 12:38 a.m. after being observed driving a red Chevrolet Impala southbound on Mitchell Road near 18th Street.
Captain Fleetwood initiated the traffic stop after observing the Impala switch lanes without signaling and having an inoperable license plate light. Upon approaching the vehicle, Captain Fleetwood reported smelling the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Yarbrough.
Yarbrough admitted to consuming approximately three beers. Captain Fleetwood then requested that Yarbrough perform field sobriety tests. Due to inclement weather, Yarbrough agreed to perform the tests at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.
“When Charlene exited her vehicle, she lost her balance and almost fell to the ground,” Captain Fleetwood stated in the affidavit.
Yarbrough performed several field sobriety tests at the sheriff’s department, and Captain Fleetwood reported observing several indicators of impairment during these tests.
After being read her Miranda rights, Yarbrough admitted to consuming three to four Coronas and later stated she had consumed four Crown Royal shots. She agreed to a certified breath test, which resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.100 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08.
“While conducting the certified breath test, Charlene stated she was at Shorty’s Bar with some friends doing karaoke. Charlene said she doesn’t go out much and was just out having fun,” Captain Fleetwood stated.
Yarbrough was subsequently arrested and booked into the Lawrence County Jail on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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