BEDFORD – The Bedford Police Department arrested Stephanie Coulter, a 53-year-old resident of Medora, on multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI endangerment, and possession of illegal substances following a traffic stop on September 28.
At approximately 9:25 p.m., officers were alerted to a light blue or silver Ford passenger car that had reportedly crossed the center line and struck a curb near 16th and B Streets. The driver, later identified as Coulter, was seen parking at the Circle K gas station on 16th and H Streets.
Officers observed Coulter’s vehicle parked unattended and noted damage to the rear driver’s side. When she returned to the vehicle, officers followed her as she left the parking lot, witnessing erratic driving behavior that included straddling the center line and making an improper turn.
Upon initiating a traffic stop, Coulter parked haphazardly in the lot of the Mark III Motel. When approached by officers, Coulter denied consuming alcohol or using drugs. However, she later admitted hitting a curb while entering Bedford from Medora.
Coulter underwent Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, during which officers observed signs of impairment. She struggled with balance during the tests and indicated she takes several prescription medications, including Gabapentin. A subsequent SoToxa test returned positive for methamphetamine and cannabis. SoToxa is a handheld analyzer that uses an oral fluid swab to detect the presence of six kinds of drugs: cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, cannabis (THC), amphetamine, and benzodiazepines.
While searching Coulter, officers found a glass smoking device and plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance identified as methamphetamine concealed in her bra. Coulter acknowledged recent methamphetamine use and suggested there might be additional contraband in her vehicle.
Further investigation revealed additional drug paraphernalia and substances within her vehicle, including another glass smoking device and a loose pill identified as Ondansetron.
Coulter was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for a blood draw, which was sent to the Indiana State Department of Toxicology for analysis. Following the procedures, she was taken to the Lawrence County Jail for processing.
The Bedford Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious behavior and prioritize safety on the roadways.
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.
