License Of Man In Fatal Wreck Suspended 16 Times

INDIANAPOLIS -- A man who was arrested after a wreck that killed a woman Tuesday night on Indianapolis' northwest side had his license suspended 16 times, police said.

John Ferrell Jr., 44, of Avon, had been drinking before he collided with Susan Baldwin, 70, as she pulled out of a gas station on 56th Street, near High School Road at 7:10 p.m., Indianapolis police said.

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Images: Crash Scene

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Ferrell was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital, where he was arrested on charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with prior causing death, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

Baldwin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers said Ferrell's blood-alcohol level registered 0.11 percent on a portable breath test and that he may have been celebrating his birthday before getting behind the wheel Tuesday.

Police said Ferrell had been convicted 19 times on various charges, including four prior drunken driving convictions stemming from incidents in January 1984, January 1985, January 2003 and May 2003.

Ferrell had a valid driver's license in spite of the fact that his license had been suspended 16 times.

"It's disturbing. Driving is a privilege," said Indianapolis police Sgt. Matt Mount. "When you repeatedly go out there and decide you're going to break that law … it cost a woman her life because of that poor judgment."

Ferrell's mother declined to discuss whether her son had a drinking problem, but said Wednesday, "I'm sorry that it happened."

Ferrell was being held Wednesday in the detention center at the hospital.