Vanderburgh County deputies arrested Katie Elizabeth Carpenter on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, following a traffic stop in the 800 block of North Green River Rd. The arrest was made by a deputy sheriff working aggressive driving overtime enforcement funded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
At approximately 3:40 PM, a deputy observed a black 2012 Ford Fusion disregard a red traffic signal at the intersection of N. Green River Rd and Vogel Rd, nearly causing a collision. A traffic stop was conducted, and during the interaction, the deputy observed signs of impairment in the driver, later identified as Katie Carpenter. Field sobriety tests were administered, which she failed, leading to further investigation.
A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation and a SoToxa oral swab indicated the presence of narcotic-opiates, amphetamines, and methamphetamines in Carpenter’s system.
- The DRE exam includes a multi-step process in which a trained officer assesses the subject’s vital signs, behavior, and physical condition for signs of impairment.
- The SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Test System is a handheld analyzer designed for rapid roadside drug screening and detection in oral fluid, providing test results in minutes.
Carpenter refused blood testing; however, a judicially signed search warrant was obtained and a blood draw was conducted at a local hospital to confirm the presence of substances.
Deputies also discovered a clear plastic baggie containing a white, crystal-like substance in Carpenter’s possession, which field tested positive for suspected methamphetamine. Carpenter was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail and booked on multiple charges.
This enforcement effort is part of ongoing initiatives to reduce aggressive and impaired driving and enhance road safety in Vanderburgh County.
Arrested:
Katie Elizabeth Carpenter, 31 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Refusal
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
- Traffic – Disregard Signal
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.