BEDFORD – A Bedford woman was arrested on Friday, April 11th, following an alleged physical altercation at the Wings and Rings restaurant on John Williams Boulevard.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Sarah Haluda, Julia Miller, 33, faces charges of criminal confinement, battery with injury, and disorderly conduct.
The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the restaurant about a physical fight. Upon arrival, Officer Haluda located a woman and her husband outside while Miller allegedly yelled at them from across the parking lot. Officers told Miller to stop yelling and stand back, which she eventually complied with.
The woman told Officer Haluda that she and her husband had previously had custody of one of Miller’s children. She stated that after using the restroom, she was allegedly cornered in the hallway by Miller, who was being aggressive, blocked her path, and began pushing her into a corner to prevent her from passing. The woman reportedly managed to get around Miller by putting her hands up and sidestepping her.
Officer Haluda and another officer spoke with Miller, who was agitated and emotional. Miller reportedly claimed that the woman had initiated the altercation by shoving her. She denied confining the woman in the hallway, stating that the woman could have gotten around her if she wanted to. Miller admitted to approaching the woman to discuss her children and that the conversation turned physical when the woman allegedly shoved her. Miller stated she told the woman not to touch her multiple times but also admitted to throwing the woman to the ground.
After being advised of her Miranda Warning, Miller reportedly stated she understood. She acknowledged recent text messages with the woman but denied knowing she would be at the restaurant. Miller reported that her glasses were broken during the altercation.
Restaurant management provided video surveillance of the incident, corroborating the victim’s account. According to the affidavit, the video showed Miller following the woman into the hallway near the restrooms and appearing to wait for her. When the woman emerged, Miller allegedly stopped her, repeatedly blocked her path, and backed her into a corner. While the woman attempted to move around Miller, Miller continued to block her. The woman eventually sidestepped Miller and left the building. The video then allegedly showed Miller chasing the woman outside, shoving her into a corner of the entryway, punching her, and throwing her into the opposite corner, leaving her on the ground. Miller then reportedly returned and continued to yell at the woman before the woman left the building again. Miller allegedly chased after the woman a second time after she had exited. Restaurant staff reported that other customers were concerned about the argument, and a woman with a baby had to leave the restroom area to avoid the altercation.
Officer Haluda then spoke with the female victim again, who denied any interaction with Miller before being cornered in the hallway. The woman reported pain in her face but declined medical attention. She stated she wanted to press charges and agreed to sign a battery affidavit.
Miller was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. A preliminary breath test reportedly showed her alcohol level to be .036. Authorities noted that Miller is currently out on bond for previous charges of operating a vehicle while Intoxicated and neglect of a dependent.
Both Miller and the female victim reportedly acknowledged that the altercation stemmed from the victim having temporary custody of Miller’s child due to those pending charges.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
