Celina woman jailed after traffic incident

COLDWATER - A 45-year-old Celina woman faces multiple charges after she nearly struck a police officer involved in a traffic stop early Sunday morning.

Jodi L. Brandon, 603 Devonshire Drive, was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence and resisting arrest. She pleaded not guilty during a Monday afternoon appearance in Celina Municipal Court and was released from jail on bond pending an Aug. 23 pretrial hearing.

Coldwater Patrolman Ryan Kantner was involved in a traffic stop at 2:20 a.m. on East Main Street at Fourth Street when he spotted Brandon's approaching car. He reportedly illuminated his flashlight because the driver did not move over as required by law.

Kantner jumped onto the cruiser to avoid being hit. Patrolman Daniel Speckman, who had stopped to see whether his assistance was needed, stated Brandon's vehicle was less than a foot away when the officer jumped.

Speckman stopped the vehicle and upon approach reportedly smelled a strong odor of alcohol. Brandon failed field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest.

Brandon was taken to the Celina Police Department for a breath test, which she refused. Upon being told she would be taken to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility, Brandon began to resist officers and she had to be physically restrained and handcuffed. Officers carried her to the cruiser because she refused to walk.

Once inside the cruiser Brandon began slapping herself in the face and told the officer she was going to file assault charges against him. Brandon claimed the arrest came about because she refused to perform sexual favors for him.

A Celina police officer witnessed her actions and followed Speckman to jail to make sure there were no further problems or accusations. Her disorderly conduct reportedly continued at the jail until she was placed in a holding cell.