Terre Haute woman faces multiple charges after alleged OWI, disturbed at local store
/A Terre Haute woman is facing multiple charges, including several felony counts, after police say she was impaired while driving and causing a disturbance at a local store with a child present.
According to court documents, Chelsea McGowan, 34, faces preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI endangerment with a passenger under 18, OWI with a prior conviction, OWI involving a controlled substance, and neglect of a dependent.
Officer Bracey Breneman of the Linton Police Department reported he was dispatched to Walmart in Linton on April 11 around 4:23 p.m. after receiving a report of an intoxicated woman inside the store.
Upon arrival, officers were told McGowan appeared to be under the influence and had admitted to taking prescription medications, including Xanax and Suboxone. According to the affidavit, McGowan denied consuming alcohol but acknowledged taking the medications prior to arriving at the store.
Police said McGowan confirmed she had driven herself to Walmart with her child.
Officers observed multiple signs of impairment, including difficulty maintaining balance, slurred or disorganized speech, erratic movements, and agitation. A witness inside the store told police McGowan had been unable to remain seated during a hair appointment, repeatedly standing and pacing, and jolting in the chair.
McGowan agreed to perform field sobriety tests outside the store. According to the report, she showed several indicators of impairment during the tests.
When officers attempted to take her into custody, McGowan reportedly tensed her arms and pulled away, requiring officers to secure her in handcuffs.
While detained in the patrol vehicle, officers said McGowan continued to display restless and erratic behavior, moving constantly and struggling to remain still. Police also noted she had difficulty providing basic information regarding her child’s care.
McGowan was transported to Greene County General Hospital for medical clearance and a chemical test. According to the affidavit, she initially refused a blood draw, prompting officers to seek a search warrant.
During that time, McGowan allegedly became increasingly agitated, yelling profanities, striking herself in the face with her hands and handcuffs, and making statements such as “I’m crazy,” “hurt me,” and “I don’t care, tase me.”
After a warrant was obtained, a blood sample was collected.
Police also reported McGowan made spontaneous statements indicating drug use, including referencing being on “bath salts,” though official toxicology results were pending at the time of the report.
McGowan was transported to the Greene County Jail without further incident. Her bond was set at $12,500 surety with 10% cash allowed.
She is scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing on April 27.