NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) arrested a Jennings County woman on public intoxication charges at the Sunoco Gas Station at 765 N. State St., on Wednesday, July 2.
Officers responded at 6:15 a.m. after receiving a report of a female acting erratically and nearly striking a semi-truck and several gas pumps while attempting to park.
NVPD located the vehicle and made contact with Sydney E. Bingham, 28, of Jennings County, who was allegedly displaying signs of extreme impairment, including erratic movements, rapid and disjointed speech, and difficulty maintaining balance. Her behavior was consistent with stimulant use, particularly methamphetamine.
Bingham initially refused to identify herself, declined all field sobriety evaluations, and later refused a chemical test at the hospital. A search warrant was obtained for a blood draw, and she was ultimately identified by jail staff after continued refusal to cooperate.
Further investigation revealed she was operating a vehicle with a false license plate that did not match the make or model of the car.
The suspect was transported to the Jennings County Jail and booked on these preliminary charges:
- Operating While Intoxicated (Controlled Substance)
- Public Intoxication
- False Informing
- Obstruction of Justice
- Refusal to Identify Self
All parties are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
