Man punctures tires, warrant issued for arrest

BEDFORD – A Bedford man was detained on a criminal mischief charge after Bedford Police officers responded to Priceless IGA on 5th Street.

On January 19, 2024, at 9:07 p.m. police responded to the grocery store after a report that a man had damaged the tires of a woman’s vehicle.

Andrew Fischman

When Bedford Police Officers Michael Bell and Sarah Haluda arrived, a woman reported that 32-year-old Andrew Fischman had damaged the tires on her 2009 Pontiac G5S that was parked in the store lot. Three of her tires had been deflated. Fischman was seen traveling west from the store on 5th Street after the incident. Other officers attempted to locate Fischman.

The woman had suicidal text messages from Fischman. The woman went to Fischman’s home in the 900 block of 5th Street. She let herself in because she had a key when she was living there. Once inside, she located Fischman in the bedroom with a cord wrapped around his neck. The other end of the cord was attached to the bedroom door. They had a conversation. Fischman got upset, requesting his key back, and threatened to damage her vehicle.

She said a short time later she saw Fischman puncture her tires with an unknown object. She then attempted to drive away but only made it to the IGA parking lot. Fischman followed her to the store parking next to her vehicle and attempted to speak to her. He then left prior to the police’s arrival.

Officer Haluda located Fischman’s vehicle traveling west on 5th Street and conducted a traffic stop. Fischman denied being suicidal and damaging the woman’s vehicle. He did admit to following the woman to the PriceLess IGA.

Officer Haluda said Fischman was argumentative during the conversation.

The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued for Fischman’s arrest on a charge of criminal mischief.