BEDFORD – A Panama City, Florida, man was arrested early Friday, May 31, after allegedly exhibiting signs of severe intoxication, wielding a knife, and then resisting arrest and assaulting officers.
Hunter Anderson, 22, faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, public intoxication, resisting law enforcement by force, and disorderly conduct.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Major B. Wade of the Bedford Police Department, officers were dispatched around 12:02 a.m. to the area of 14th and M Streets following a report of an intoxicated male wielding a knife and wearing a Lakers hat. Initial searches of the area were unsuccessful, but additional information led officers to the vicinity of 15th and I Streets.
Major Wade was flagged down near the intersection of 14th and K Streets by a man matching the description. The man, identified as Anderson, was visibly impaired, not wearing shoes, and spoke incoherently. Anderson stated he had a knife in his right front pants pocket, which Major Wade retrieved.
Anderson informed officers he had been “smoking ‘weed’ and drinking and wanted help.” He displayed slurred speech, partially closed eyes, and appeared delirious and confused about his location, prompting officers to call for an ambulance.
While waiting for medical assistance, Anderson reportedly became agitated and stood up despite repeated requests to sit down. He then allegedly lunged between officers in an attempt to flee on foot. During the ensuing struggle to take him to the ground and place him in handcuffs, Anderson reportedly grabbed officers’ equipment and at one point removed Major Wade’s police radio by its antenna. Anderson was eventually placed in handcuffs and ankle restraints and transported to IU Health Hospital for medical clearance.
According to Officer Turner’s supplemental report, Anderson continued to resist at the hospital, becoming combative and yelling loudly, interrupting staff and other patients. He had to be continually forced into a wheelchair and then secured to a hospital bed with restraints. Anderson continued to forcefully pull away, stand up, and yell at officers and staff, and allegedly attempted to bite Officer Hagan and Officer Manke, making contact with Officer Manke’s mouth. Hospital staff administered sedatives to calm him.
Anderson was treated at the hospital and subsequently transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where he was remanded into custody.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
