BEDFORD – In the early hours of Saturday, September 21, a local teenager was arrested on multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated and OWI endangerment, according to a Bedford Police Department report.
Joseph York, 18, was pulled over at approximately 3:40 a.m. near State Road 37 and 39th Street after Officer Taylor Daugherty observed York’s blue Hyundai Elantra vehicle repeatedly crossing the left-hand fog line. Upon approaching the car, Officer Daugherty noted signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol.
During the traffic stop, a bottle of Evan Williams whiskey was discovered in the vehicle. York was operating the car with only a learner’s permit. He refused to perform field sobriety tests and declined a preliminary breath test.
After refusing to submit to a chemical test, Judge Nathan Nikirk issued a search warrant for a blood draw performed at IU Health Bedford Hospital at 5:36 a.m.
York also was charged with a minor in possession of alcohol and was transported to jail.
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.
