BEDFORD – A 39-year-old Bedford man, Everette Hallatt, was arrested on Saturday, October 5, following a domestic dispute that prompted a 911 call from a child. The incident occurred around 10:57 p.m. in the 100 block of Old Needmore School Road.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy C. Pruett, Hallett faces multiple charges, including:
- Resisting arrest by force and fleeing
- Battery against a police officer
- Two counts of domestic battery in the presence of a child under the age of 16
- Two counts of strangulation
The situation unfolded when a female child called 911, reporting that her father had been drinking and was hurting her mother. The child also stated that her father had threatened to kill them all.
Upon arrival, officers found the female child and a woman standing on the front steps of the residence. After Hallatt refused to exit the mobile home, officers entered and found an elderly couple inside. They informed the police that Hallatt had fled into the woods behind the property.
Law enforcement, including Oolitic Town Marshal Ryan Ducket, Deputy Marshal K. Glenn, and Indiana State Trooper J. Crane, surrounded the area and eventually located Hallatt. He allegedly resisted arrest, leading to a struggle that resulted in Marshal Duckett deploying a taser on Hallatt.
Interviews with the victims revealed that Hallatt had allegedly attacked his ex-wife, knocking her to the floor, choking and punching her. The woman’s injuries were consistent with her account, showing a red and swollen throat. She declined medical treatment.
The male child reported that while trying to protect his mother, Hallatt cursed at him, shoved him against a wall, and choked him.
Hallatt, once in custody, claimed that his ex-wife had initiated the altercation by attacking and choking him.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
