BEDFORD—A Bedford man wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested Tuesday evening following a physical altercation with Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office deputies, leading to the discovery of suspected narcotics.
The Lawrence County deputies arrested Anthony E. Caraway, 48, on a probation violation, resisting arrest, possession of meth, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a syringe.
According to the affidavit sworn by Officer Augustus Hogan, deputies arrived at a residence on Coxton Road at approximately 7:47 p.m. to serve an active petition to revoke warrant for Caraway, related to a charge of leaving the scene of an accident.
Upon arrival, a Ram 1500 registered to Caraway was observed in the driveway. The homeowner was contacted. When asked if Caraway was inside, they nodded yes and gestured toward the west side of the residence.
After deputies gave multiple verbal commands for Caraway to exit, they located a bedroom with a cluttered closet.
“As Captain Pope attempted to open the door, it became apparent that it was being held shut from the inside,” the affidavit stated.
Officer Hogan reported that he was forced to open the closet door. Caraway allegedly immediately dropped to the floor and began physically resisting arrest, grabbing at the officer’s clothing and pushing him.
During the prolonged struggle in the confined space, Caraway allegedly pulled off the officer’s beanie and reached into his shorts pocket. Fearing the defendant was reaching for a weapon, Officer Hogan reported delivering several closed-fist strikes to gain compliance. Caraway eventually extended his hands, and deputies were able to remove him from the closet physically.
A subsequent search of Caraway’s pockets yielded multiple illegal items, according to the affidavit, including a medicine bottle containing a plastic baggie with 0.6 grams of meth and nine tied balloons that included a total of 2.3 grams of heroin, a glass smoking device, a metal spoon, and a syringe.
The affidavit also notes that the arresting officer later learned Caraway was convicted of dealing in a Schedule II controlled substance in a 2012 case.
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.
