NVPD arrests driver for OWI, drugs after early Friday morning crash

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) responded to a personal injury accident on Friday, March 20, at 5:30 a.m, near the intersection of State Roads 3 and 7.

A heavily damaged SUV had left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant and mailbox, and came to rest in a grassy area. The driver, identified as Lynsidny Blacie Fields, 22, of North Vernon, was still inside the vehicle.   

Officers say they observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, confusion, and difficulty maintaining balance.  

During the investigation, police allegedly found suspected controlled substances inside the vehicle, including Xanax and other prescription medications not prescribed to the suspect.   

Fields was transported to the hospital for evaluation, where a blood draw was conducted as part of the investigation. After being medically cleared, she was taken to the Jennings County Jail and charged with:    

• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Legend Drug
• Operating While Intoxicated – Endangerment
• Operating While Intoxicated

NVPD Chief Messer stated, “When someone chooses to operate a vehicle while impaired, they are putting innocent lives at risk. Our officers will continue to take decisive action to remove impaired drivers from our roadways and keep our community safe.”   

All subjects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.