A Bellefontaine gas station employee was arrested for public intoxication after police responded to reports that she was unresponsive while working.
According to the Bellefontaine Police Department report, officers were called to the Marathon gas station on North Main Street Friday evening after several people reported that the attendant was not speaking.
Officers found 65-year-old Kathleen Franklin, of Celina, sitting in a chair behind the counter.
She was awake and conscious but told officers she felt faint and was unable to take care of customers.
Bellefontaine EMS responded and initially found her vital signs to be within normal limits.
Officers later observed an empty alcoholic beverage container in Franklin’s purse.
Franklin told medics she had consumed alcohol earlier in the day.
Officers said Franklin’s speech became slurred, her eyes appeared red, and she became upset during questioning.
Franklin was taken to Mary Rutan Hospital for further evaluation.
Police later obtained surveillance video showing Franklin taking an alcoholic beverage from near the counter and carrying it into the bathroom shortly before officers arrived.
Police said an employee also provided a photograph of an empty alcoholic beverage bottle found in the bathroom.
Later that evening, police received an anonymous tip that Franklin was walking back toward the gas station from the hospital and planned to drive home.
Officers located Franklin walking near Rush Avenue and North Madriver Street.
Police said she continued to show signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol.
Franklin reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol before and during her shift.
Officers took Franklin to the police department to wait for someone to pick her up.
When no one arrived, she was arrested for public intoxication and transported to the Logan County Jail for her safety.
Franklin was also issued a misdemeanor citation for public intoxication and given a court date.
