BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Monday afternoon after a series of erratic behaviors led to multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of marijuana.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Officer Sarah Haluda of the Bedford Police Department, James L. Self Jr., 32, was arrested following a disturbance on 16th Street and Becky Skillman Way.
Officers responded to the area around 1:50 p.m. after receiving numerous 911 calls reporting a male and female arguing in the roadway, blocking traffic. Upon arrival, Officer Haluda found Self kneeling in the street, praying beside a parked vehicle.
Self told officers that he was praying and that “the end of the world was coming.” He also admitted to having marijuana in his pocket and claimed he was trying to “save” a female coworker from “demons.”
The female returned to the scene on foot and told officers that Self, a coworker at McDonald’s, had been acting erratically throughout the day. She stated that he had grabbed her and confined her legs and that he had been asked to leave work due to his behavior. She had followed him to ensure he got home safely.
She further stated that Self stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road and began trying to “exercise demons” from her. She then sped off, dragging Self approximately 50 feet before he released his hold on the vehicle.
During the investigation, officers found two THC vape cartridges in Self’s possession. He was taken to the Bedford Police Department for further testing.
Self agreed to a SoToxa oral fluids test, which yielded a positive result for cannabis. He also agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests but struggled to follow instructions and exhibited signs of impairment.
Self was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for a blood draw and then to the Lawrence County Jail. He faces charges of OWI, OWI endangerment, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and possession of marijuana.
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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