BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Wednesday evening following an alleged physical altercation with a juvenile that resulted in injuries to the minor.
Tristan Hutcherson, 51, faces preliminary charges of strangulation and domestic battery on a minor.
Bedford Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of R Street at approximately 7:36 p.m. in response to a report of a juvenile attacked by Hutcherson at another residence. Upon arrival, Officer Stuart Ratcliff met with the juvenile, whose name is being withheld due to his age.
The juvenile informed officers that he resides with his grandmother and Hutcherson at a home on 13th Street. He stated that he and Hutchersson had been disputing for the past month over money.
According to the juvenile’s account, the argument escalated on Wednesday when Hutcherson entered his bedroom to confront him. The juvenile reported that Hutcherson aggressively placed his hands on his shoulders. After the juvenile pushed him away, Hutcherson allegedly again put his hands on his shoulders, holding him against the wall. During a struggle, the juvenile claims Hutcherson threw him to the floor, got on top of him, and placed his hands around his neck and throat, restricting his breathing.
The juvenile stated he was able to break free, at which point Hutcherson left the room. When Hutcherson returned, the juvenile grabbed a replica sword, which he did not draw from its sheath; this prompted Hutcherson to leave the room again. The juvenile then called his mother, who advised him to leave the house. He subsequently went to a friend’s house and called 911.
Officers observed redness around the juvenile’s neck and throat, a laceration behind his left ear, redness around his right ear, and he reported pain in his left toe. He also indicated that his lower teeth and gums were hurt during the struggle and that he had bled from his mouth at one point. Photos of the juvenile’s injuries were taken.
The juvenile’s mother arrived on the scene, discussed the events with her son, and requested that charges be filed, signing a battery affidavit.
Officers proceeded to the 13th Street home and spoke with Hutcherson, who was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail for processing. According to the affidavit, Hutcherson refused to talk or be questioned about the incident upon arrival at the jail.
Officers also spoke with the child’s grandmother, who was inside the house during the incident. She confirmed hearing the argument and what sounded like wrestling, stating she saw Hutcherson on top of the juvenile but could not provide further details.
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.
