BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested after a woman came to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department on September 30th at 11:15 a.m. to report she was injured by 26-year-old Mendelram Wright. She claimed he had injured her during a domestic fight at a home in the 4000 block of State Road 158 on September 29, 2022.
The woman reported she went to Wright’s home to retrieve her internet box. While she was inside the home Wright, who she believed had been drinking, pushed her up against a cabinet. He then allegedly picked her up while screaming in her face and threw her out the front door of the home onto the porch.
The woman reported she landed on her bottom causing injuries to the left and right side of her body and a scrape on her left arm.
The woman reported that her 3-month-old son was in her car while she attempted to retrieve the internet box and may have witnessed the altercation.
When asked why she didn’t report the battery when it occurred she told police she was afraid to.
On October 3, 2022, at 11:50 a.m. an investigator attempted to contact Wright on his cell phone but was unsuccessful. Wright was left a message to return his call. On October 4, 2022, Wright agreed to go to the department and speak to the investigator.
Wright arrived at the department on October 5, 2022. Wright claimed that the woman arrived at his home, and entered without permission while he was sitting in a chair wearing a headset. She removed that headset and stated they needed to talk about him being with another girl. Wright denied shoving the woman while she attempted to retrieve her internet box. He claimed, “he was just trying to get her away from the cabinet when she flung her arms, hitting the baby gate and injuring herself”.
He did admit he placed his hands on her back or shoulders and scooted her toward the door. That is when the woman threw herself on the floor. He then picked her up “like a baby and took her out on the porch” and proceeded to slam the door, lock it, and told her to “get out of here”.
Once outside, Wright stated the woman picked up a propane tank and threatened “I will bust out the window if you don’t let me back in”. He said the woman then left.
Wright denied knowing their child was in the vehicle during the incident and was unaware of any injuries to the woman.
The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of domestic battery in the presence of a child under the age of 16.
If you or someone you know is involved in a domestic violence situation and needs help, call Hoosier Hills PACT 24-hour crisis line at 1-888-883-1959 or visit their website at https://www.pactchangeslives.com/.
The agency can shelter emergency assistance to those in domestic violence situations. Hoosier Hills Pact also provides assistance with court advocacy, protective orders, education, outreach programs, support groups, and more.
