BEDFORD — A Bedford man was arrested on multiple charges following a vehicle collision outside the CVS Pharmacy on 16th Street on September 24, 2024.
Robert L. Curren, 33, is facing charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction and operating a vehicle without financial responsibility.
The incident began at approximately 2:28 p.m. when the Bedford Police Department was dispatched to the CVS Pharmacy parking lot, where a white Chrysler 200 had struck one of the building’s support pillars. Upon arrival, Officer J. Landon Jones observed Curren standing at the vehicle’s rear, allegedly digging through the trunk. The front end of the Chrysler was lodged against the pillar, and damage was visible to the car and the building.
When approached, Curren explained that his brakes had failed, causing the crash. He claimed to have traveled at two to three miles per hour when the incident occurred. However, Officer Jones noted that the damage to the vehicle and the building suggested that the car was moving much faster than Curren had described. Despite this, Curren insisted that the combination of his vehicle’s weight and the brake failure caused the collision.
While speaking with Curren, Officer Jones observed that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and his speech appeared erratic. Curren was acting noticeably disoriented, fumbling with items in his hands. He also seemed to be having difficulty standing still.
Further investigation revealed that Curren had been seen attempting to use tow straps to pull the vehicle away from the pillar. CVS employees expressed concern that he might leave the scene before law enforcement arrived. One employee informed officers that Curren appeared “scattered” and “erratic” inside the store while attempting to purchase a gift card, not seeming to acknowledge the accident.
Curren denied consuming any alcohol or other substances that day, but when asked, he admitted to taking his prescribed Suboxone the night before. He consented to perform several Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which he failed.
In addition to the field tests, Officer Jones asked Curren to submit a breath test, which he refused. However, Curren agreed to a certified chemical test, and blood was drawn at IU Health Bedford.
Further investigation revealed that Curren was driving without insurance, and records showed that he had previous OWI convictions—one for OWI endangerment in 2019 and another for OWI with a prior conviction of OWI with a prior conviction within seven years in 2021.
Curren’s vehicle was towed from the scene, and the Bedford Police completed a state accident report.
Based on the circumstances and his previous convictions, Officer Jones requested an arrest warrant for Curren. That warrant was issued, and Curren was detained on Thursday, November 26.
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.
