Blackwell resident arrested on DUI complaint

NEWKIRK — An initial appearance is set for Lea Ann Bechtel, 67, Blackwell, in Kay County District Court.

Bechtel was arrested by Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Baylee Tanner shortly after 10 p.m. on Sept. 17 on U.S. 177 north of the river bridge on complaints of DUI, transporting an open container of beer, and unsafe lane change. 

Tanner reports in the affidavit that she was patrolling the area of Main and Doolin when she saw a black Jeep Wrangler display significant weaving from the yellow center lines to the white fog line.

Tanner initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver identified as Bechtel. Bechtel reportedly told the trooper she was heading to the farm to turn off a sprinkler. Tanner reports that Bechtel’s eyes were bloodshot, her speech was slurred, and that she smelled of alcohol. 

She asked Bechtel to step out of the vehicle. 

Bechtel reportedly had to grab the door to steady herself and then stumbled. The trooper report that Bechtel admitted to consuming two Michelob beers shortly before being pulled over.

She reportedly told the trooper that she had an open container in the vehicle that she had partially spilled on herself. Tanner reports that Bechtel showed the wet spot on her shirt to the her.

The trooper conducted field sobriety tests during which, Bectel had to be told not to lean on the patrol car to assist her balance.

Bechtel reportedly took the state issued preliminary breath test. Authorities report that the result was .11.

Tanner searched Bechtel’s vehicle and reportedly found two open cans of Michelob Ultra under the rear passenger seat, an unopened cold can located in her purse, an unopened cold can in the center console, and an open can shoved in the back of the front passenger seat that was cold to the touch and partially empty.

Bechtel was arrested at the scene and transported to the Kay County Detention Center where she submitted to a breath test. Authorities report that the test result was .12.

On Sept. 18, she was granted an own recognizance bond. She is scheduled for an initial appearance on Sept. 25.