Casey County Deputy Jayson Grider conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Pontiac Solstice at Liberty Care Center shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday and requested assistance from Deputy Tyler Luttrell.

According to Deputy Grider, the driver, Ellen M. Pinkston, age 54 of Gravel Switch, was driving erratically. She exhibited slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and difficulty standing. When asked if she had consumed anything, Ellen admitted to having a few beers and then leaned against the deputy’s vehicle, stating she was drunk. She mentioned she was coming from Three Pines in Lebanon and heading to Wolf Creek Dam with her passenger, Joseph Bickett.

Joseph confirmed she had been drinking and handed him an open pint of Fireball when they were pulled over. He also stated that she was already drunk when she picked him up and that they had not been at Three Pines.

After failing field sobriety tests, Ellen was arrested and taken to the hospital, where she refused a blood test. She was then transported to the Casey County Jail and charged with DUI and possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.