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Muncie – A Muncie woman was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated last evening after the car she was driving was stopped for having a headlight out.  Trooper Sam Cook stopped the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu on Tillotson Avenue in the area of University Avenue around 8:35 p.m. last night, after noticing the north bound vehicle had a headlight out.

As Cook spoke to the driver, Lorie P. Branson, age 28 of Muncie, he noticed her 6 year old daughter in the back seat sitting on a booster seat without being buckled in the seatbelt. Further investigation revealed Branson was driving impaired from smoking marijuana.

Branson was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated, Endangering a Minor, Level 6 Felony, and Operating While Intoxicated, Controlled Substance, Class “C” Misdemeanor.  She was lodged in the Delaware County Jail.  Branson’s daughter was released to family members.

The Indiana State Police remains committed to reducing the number of impaired driving crashes as well as all crashes. Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law