BEDFORD– A Bedford woman was arrested Thursday afternoon after a two-vehicle crash at the John Williams Boulevard and Beech Street intersection.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Officer Michael Bell of the Bedford Police Department, Sonya Marie Brand, 32, was arrested on two counts of neglect of a dependent, OWI endangerment, and OWI.
The incident occurred on March 7, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m. Bedford Police Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle accident with an overturned vehicle.
Officer Blackburn arrived on the scene and spoke to Brian Sawyers, the occupant of the overturned vehicle. Officer Bell arrived shortly after and contacted Brand, who was standing near her vehicle, a blue 2010 Chrysler Town and Country.
Brand admitted to driving the vehicle and told officers that she was attempting to turn west onto John Williams Boulevard from Beech Street when Sawyers’ vehicle, traveling east, collided with her. Brand stated she did not see Sawyers’ vehicle coming. Brand also admitted to never having a valid Indiana driver’s license.
During the investigation, Officer Bell detected the odor of alcohol on Brand’s person and observed that her eyes were red and bloodshot. Initially, Brand denied consuming any alcohol, stating she had only consumed a Red Bull. However, she later admitted to having “a drink or two this morning” and then clarified she had consumed two or three shots of vodka between 10 a.m. and noon.
A preliminary breath test (PBT) administered at the scene yielded a result of 0.146. Brand consented to a certified chemical test and was transported to the Bedford Police Department. A certified breath test on an Intox EC/IR-II machine registered a BAC of 0.128 g/210L at 4:30 p.m.
In a separate statement, Sawyers told officers that Brand pulled out in front of him, causing the collision. Witnesses corroborated Sawyers’ account. The collision caused Sawyers’ vehicle to flip over.
Brand’s two children were present in her vehicle during the crash.
Brand was transported to IU Health Bedford for medical clearance and then to the Lawrence County Jail. Her vehicle was left in her husband’s possession. Sawyers’ vehicle was towed due to disabling damage.
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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