BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on a warrant charging him with criminal trespass charges after Bedford Police officers responded to the 400 block of N Street.
According to Officer Jarrett Tedrow, police arrived on February 25 at 3:53 p.m. they spoke to a male who reported his neighbor, 68-year-old Lester Martin, had been on his property. Police say Martin lives southwest of the caller’s property in the 1000 block of 5th Street.
The caller reported he and a female had left the home to purchase cigarettes, and when they returned, they found Martin standing on their front porch. The male caller drove into the alley, taking photos and video of Martin standing on his porch.
One photo showed Martin opening the storm door, kicking the door, and yelling.
Major Swanson made contact with Martin at 4:24 p.m. when he saw Martin walk from his house back to the caller’s home and up to the front door. Martin was detained and transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital. Martin was “highly intoxicated” and had injuries to his face and left arm. Martin has said he had consumed two half-pints of alcohol earlier in the day.
Martin told police that his neighbor had called and texted him repeatedly, inviting him to come over. After Martin arrived at the home, the male punched him in the face, causing his injuries. Martin was asked to provide proof of the calls or text messages, and Martin refused, saying no one sees his phone or its
contents other than himself.
The caller and female denied there was an altercation with Martin.
After several hours of being at IU Health Bedford Hospital, it was determined by medical staff that Lester was not currently safe to be incarcerated due to heart issues. He was left in the care of IU Health staff.
Lester was issued a formal no-trespass order preventing him from returning to his neighbor’s home.
The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Martin’s arrest.
