Dec 18, 2024
BOZEMAN A pregnant woman from Sheridan is claiming she was wrongfully arrested by the Montana Highway Patrol for allegedly driving under the influence during a traffic stop near Bozeman."I was just pretty shocked. And I constantly told him I'm pregnant, and I havent drunk in probably eight months," said Alyssa Johnson. Johnson is a photographer who at 22 weeks pregnant was pulled over by a state trooper on Dec. 1 for an alleged traffic violation. "I have a stutter, and he thought I was slurring so he pretty much said can you step out of the car. Made me do all these kinds of tests," said Johnson.She said she has severe dyslexia, which makes understanding directions and completing any test difficult. "I mean, Alyssa, when she was in school, she used to have extra time to take an exam and shed have questions read to her," said her husband, Tim Johnson.Johnson said in addition to her mental handicap, she was in a state of panic during the traffic stop which affected her ability to give a proper breathalyzer result."They were saying that since I couldnt breathe through the breathalyzer and the testing wasnt doing good, they arrested me and pretty much took me to the hospital for more blood work," she said.A written statement by her therapist confirms her dyslexia diagnosis.After the incident, the couple got a third-party blood test because the one conducted by law enforcement could take up to eight weeks to return. The blood test, provided by the Johnsons, showed negative for any type of drug."I take a prenatal, an aspirin for my blood pressure, and stuff for my heartburn, like Tums. Just like simple stuff," Johnson said.Tim Johnson said that in addition to expecting their second child, they are currently building a home, making the cost of bail and towing a hard hit on their finances."We have a budget to stick to and the budget doesnt include any unexpected costs like this," he said.Tim Johnson said this is an opportunity for police to receive better training on mental impairments and hopes that charges will be dropped from his wife's record."And I understand they have to do their job too. I mean, support police. But this wasnt right to do," Alyssa Johnson said.The couple says they have filed a formal complaint with the Montana Highway Patrol. The agency did not immediately respond to an interview request.
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