BEDFORD – A month-long investigation by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office culminated Monday night in the arrest of a Bedford man linked to a residential burglary and firearm theft.
The investigation began on November 10, when Sgt. Robin Compton responded to a report of a burglary in the 4000 block of State Road 450. A witness reported seeing a tan SUV fleeing the scene, and the homeowner later confirmed a .22 caliber handgun had been stolen. Based on the vehicle description, the homeowner identified Jay Wright, 23, an acquaintance, as a potential suspect.
Sgt. Compton utilized surveillance footage, search warrants, and electronic location data to establish probable cause, leading to a warrant for Wright’s arrest.
On Monday, Dec. 22, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Sgt. Compton and Sgt. Whitney Daugherty spotted Wright’s vehicle on SR 37 near 39th Street. During the ensuing traffic stop, Wright was taken into custody without incident.
Inside the vehicle, deputies also encountered a passenger, Kaden Wilson, 28, of Bedford. A search revealed multiple loaded hypodermic syringes containing substances that field-tested positive for both methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Both men were transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Wright is facing charges of burglary, a Level 4 felony, theft of a firearm, a Level 5 felony, possession of meth, a Level 6 felony, and unlawful possession of a syringe, a Level 6 felony.
Wilson is facing charges of possession of meth, a Level 6 felony and unlawful possession of a syringe, a Level 6 felony.
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity to contact their tip line at 812-275-3316 or use the Lawrence County Sheriff’s App.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
