BEDFORD — A Bedford woman was arrested Saturday after allegedly setting a fire inside a residence and later resisting arrest, according to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.
At approximately 2 a.m. on June 14, Sgt. W. Daugherty-Anderson and Officer K. Long were dispatched to a home on Kentucky Hollow Road after a 911 call from an unknown female reported a disturbance involving someone throwing items. Dispatch reported hearing arguing and loud banging noises in the background.
Upon arrival, officers found multiple individuals on the front porch. The man at the residence told officers that Gwendalyn Crews had started a fire inside the home, which he had extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Smoke was still lingering throughout the residence when officers arrived. Crews had reportedly fled on foot before police arrived.
Additional officers, including Officer C. Pruett and Indiana State Police Trooper J. Crane, assisted in searching the area. Meanwhile, three visibly upset females outside the home told officers that the fire had been started intentionally. One of them said her mother asked for a lighter, and shortly after, a fire broke out inside the residence. They said the man at the house extinguished the flames, and everyone was able to escape safely.
The man told officers he had been showering with Crews when she became agitated, went upstairs, and shortly afterward, flames appeared in the home. He also stated that she threw his belongings from the loft before walking away from the property.
Due to concerns for the safety and well-being of two juveniles involved, the Department of Child Services (DCS) was contacted. DCS, along with family members, made arrangements for the children’s care.
Later that night, officers were called back to the same residence after a hang-up 911 call. Dispatch was able to confirm through text message that Crews had returned. Sgt. Daugherty-Anderson and Officer Long approached the residence and found her in the shower. When asked to come out, Crews initially refused, eventually stepping out and attempting to approach the man in the kitchen.
As officers tried to redirect her, she allegedly pushed Sgt. Daugherty-Anderson, which damaged the officer’s department-issued body camera. Officers then restrained her after a brief struggle and placed her in handcuffs.
Once detained, Crews reportedly admitted to drinking and claimed not to remember much of the night, including the fire. She was read her Miranda rights by Officer Long and stated she understood.
Crews was transported without further incident to the Lawrence County Jail. She faces multiple charges, including:
- Arson
- Resisting Law Enforcement
- Criminal Mischief (for destruction of police equipment)
The incident remains under investigation.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
