A Jonesboro woman is facing a felony charge of fourth-offense driving while intoxicated (DWI) following a traffic stop on Highway 49 earlier this week.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Officer Dustin Simons with the Jonesboro Police Department stopped a blue Kia SUV around 6:06 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, after observing the vehicle cross into the center turn lane. The driver continued for a significant distance before stopping near Ridge Coffee at the intersection of Craighead County Road 702.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Ashlyn Renee Blevins, informed Officer Simons she had been using her cellphone to listen to music and was on her way to work. A driver’s license check revealed that she held a restricted Class D license requiring an ignition interlock device, which was absent from the SUV. Authorities also discovered that Blevins had three prior alcohol-related DWI convictions, dating back to 2025, 2021, and 2020.
During the investigation, officers noted signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes and unsteady movements. Initially, Blevins denied consuming alcohol, later admitting to having some the previous night. She denied using any drugs. Police conducted a horizontal gaze nystagmus test, reporting that she exhibited signs of impairment. Field sobriety tests reportedly revealed further indicators, including balance issues and difficulty following instructions.
Blevins refused both a portable breath test and subsequent chemical testing after being informed of Arkansas' implied consent law.
Inside the vehicle, officers found two Pinnacle vodka bottles; one was empty, and the other was half full. The bottles were documented and secured as evidence, police said.
While being transported to the Craighead County Detention Center, Blevins reportedly slipped out of her handcuffs. Officers were able to secure her restraints again before she was processed at the detention center.
Blevins is facing charges including felony fourth-offense DWI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving left of the centerline, possessing an open container of alcohol, and operating a vehicle under a DWI-related license suspension or revocation. The felony DWI charge carries a potential sentence of one to six years, according to the preliminary court filing.
A judge set Blevins’ bond at $15,000, requiring cash or surety. As terms of her release, she must wear a blood-alcohol-monitoring ankle device and refrain from consuming alcohol. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 30.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.