BEDFORD — A Bedford man was arrested Thursday night after allegedly causing a loud disturbance at an apartment building while intoxicated.
James Lawson, 57, of Bedford, faces preliminary charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct following the incident on October 2.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Sgt. Nick Crulo of the Bedford Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to an apartment building in the 1000 block of K Street at approximately 9:50 p.m. in response to a male “beating on the door” of an apartment, causing a disturbance.
Sgt. Crulo located Lawson sitting outside the building. While speaking with him, the officer observed Lawson had glassy and bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person, and slowed, slurred speech. Lawson was also reportedly extremely unsteady on his feet.
When questioned, Lawson provided conflicting and confusing information. He claimed he was there to visit a friend, stating he wanted to bring him furniture, but admitted the friend had no idea he was coming. Lawson was unsure of his own address and offered a nonexistent street name.
The situation escalated when Sgt. Crulo informed Lawson about the reason for the police call. Lawson began arguing and became agitated after being told he could not walk home due to his level of impairment.
Lawson’s confusion about his travel plans—claiming he would walk, then that he had car keys, and finally that his wife dropped him off—compounded the officer’s concern.
According to a witness, Lawson was yelling a man’s name, beating on the door, and kicking it, alarming and annoying other residents.
After being taken into custody, Lawson became more agitated, yelling and attempting to walk away from the officer. His tumultuous conduct continued after he was transported to the Lawrence County Jail. After demanding medical treatment, Lawson was taken to IU Health Bedford, where he reportedly continued to be disruptive, causing staff to isolate him from other patients before he was medically cleared and remanded to jail.
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.
