BEDFORD — A Bedford man was taken into custody last Wednesday afternoon following a physical altercation that left a wheelchair-bound man injured.
Bryan D. Staggs, 41, of Bedford, was arrested by the Bedford Police Department on preliminary charges of battery against an endangered adult and strangulation.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer J. Landon Jones, officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 1000 block of 16th Street at approximately 2:34 p.m. on March 4th following reports of an active fight.
Upon arrival, Major Swanson and Officer Jones encountered Staggs exiting the apartment. Inside, Officer Jones discovered the male victim lying on the floor next to his wheelchair. The victim, who has limited use of his hands and no use of his legs, informed officers that Staggs had been his caregiver for several years.
The victim told investigators that the confrontation began when he confronted Staggs about unauthorized purchases made on his debit card and the alleged theft of prescribed medications, including methadone and Percocet.
The victim alleged that Staggs became “extremely upset,” grabbing his throat with both hands and choking him. The force of the assault reportedly knocked the victim backward out of his wheelchair, causing him to strike his head against a sink. The victim further stated that Staggs mounted him while he was on the ground, striking him in the face and arms with a closed fist. The victim reported that his breathing was restricted during the incident and that he nearly lost consciousness.
Responding officers noted visible red marks and bruising on the victim’s neck, as well as a mark on his cheek.
When questioned by police, Staggs reportedly admitted to grabbing the victim by the shirt collar because he was “irritated” by the accusations of theft. While he acknowledged that the victim fell out of the wheelchair during the struggle, Staggs denied allegations of punching or choking the man.
Following the interviews, Staggs was placed under arrest and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
Due to the victim’s physical condition and the injuries sustained during the fall, an ambulance was called to the scene to evaluate him. Police have since processed photographs of the injuries and collected a battery affidavit as part of the ongoing investigation.
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.
