BEDFORD– A Bedford man was arrested on a warrant following an incident on Sunday, September 1, 2025, that began as a dispute over a missing shotgun shell press.
Bedford Police officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of 24th Street at approximately 1:47 p.m. in response to a reported battery that had just occurred.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Steven Hatton Jr., the officer was met by a male who alleged he had been struck in the face by 56-year-old Robert E. Pruitt, of Bedford.
The male victim told police that Pruitt came to his home while he was moving out and demanded the return of a shotgun shell press. The victim stated he had been given the press by one of Pruitt’s family members and had recently sold it.
According to the report, the victim stated that Pruitt, whom he believed to be intoxicated, became upset and demanded to be paid for the press. When the male victim refused to pay, claiming the item was a gift, Pruitt allegedly began to swing at his face.
The victim told police he sat down on the tailgate of his truck and kicked Pruitt to create distance. He alleged that Pruitt continued to approach him, striking him with a closed fist on the left cheek, left eye, and the left side of his top lip, causing pain and a cut on the inside of his mouth. The victim stated he then pushed Pruitt away and threatened to call the police, at which point Pruitt left the scene in his vehicle.
Officers located and spoke with Pruitt, who confirmed he had gone to the victim’s residence demanding the return of the shotgun shell press, which he claimed he had let the victim borrow a year prior. Pruitt stated that his brother-in-law had purchased the press for him.
Pruitt admitted to Officer Haluda that he became upset and struck the victim in the face. Pruitt also claimed that after he hit the male, the male kicked him in the genital area. Pruitt stated he returned home and began drinking an alcoholic beverage because he was angry.
The victim signed a battery affidavit. The investigating officer requested a warrant for Pruitt’s arrest. He was detained on October 10th on a charge of battery causing bodily injury.
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.
