Kelly Rowe, 40, of Urbana, was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs early Saturday, Dec. 28, after a traffic stop conducted by the Bellefontaine Police Department.
The incident began when an officer observed a dark-colored Chevrolet SUV with flashing headlights and reverse lights in the parking lot of TP Bowling Alley on east Lake Avenue. Later, at approximately 12:31 a.m., the same vehicle was seen in the same location, with the driver’s door open and a person partially leaning out of the vehicle.
When the SUV left the parking lot, the officer followed it eastbound on Lake Avenue. The vehicle was observed veering off the road and making jerking movements as it traveled southbound on Ludlow Road. The officer initiated a traffic stop near Ludlow and Gunntown roads.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer identified Rowe as the driver and noted a strong odor of alcohol, glossy eyes and slurred speech. When asked about her erratic driving, Rowe claimed she did not recall driving off the roadway. She admitted to consuming “two drinks” of cranberry vodka earlier in the evening.
Rowe declined to perform field sobriety tests during the traffic stop but later agreed to try after being transported to the Bellefontaine Police Department. She was unable to complete the standardized tests, exhibiting signs of impairment such as swaying, failing to follow instructions and using the wall for support.
Rowe ultimately agreed to a chemical breath test, which revealed a blood alcohol content of .184—more than twice the legal limit.
The vehicle was impounded by Ace’s High Towing, and Rowe was lodged into the Logan County Jail on charges of drunk driving and marked lanes violations.