BEDFORD – A local woman is facing multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement official, after a Friday morning noise complaint escalated into a chaotic struggle at the Lawrence County Jail.
Diovionne Jurnee Marie Banks, 27, was taken into custody in the early hours of March 20, 2026, following a persistent disturbance near the intersection of 4th and M Streets.
The incident began around 1:00 a.m. when Bedford Police Officer Michael Bell was patrolling 4th Street. According to a probable cause affidavit, as Officer Bell passed a parked white Jeep Renegade, the vehicle’s horn was activated several times.
When Officer Bell investigated, the male driver stated that Banks—sitting in the passenger seat—was responsible for the noise. When asked if she needed assistance, Banks reportedly responded by honking the horn twice more.
Despite multiple warnings that she was violating a city noise ordinance and waking up neighbors, Banks allegedly told the officer she “could do what she wants” and vowed to continue honking as soon as he left. After stepping out of the vehicle and reaching back in to honk the horn again, she was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct.
During the arrest, officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on Banks and the smell of marijuana coming from the Jeep. A search of the vehicle uncovered a small amount of marijuana and two THC vape pens, an open alcoholic beverage, and several unopened containers.
The driver and Banks both reportedly confirmed to police that she had been drinking prior to the encounter.
The situation turned violent during transport to the Lawrence County Jail. According to a supplemental report by Officer Haluda, Banks was “incoherently rambling” and expressed excitement about the prospect of fighting inmates and officers.
Upon arriving at the jail’s sally port, Banks allegedly began resisting by pulling away from officers and screaming. While Officer Haluda attempted to restrain her against a wall, Banks reportedly grabbed an officer by the groin and squeezed.
The affidavit describes a highly combative booking process where Banks continued to thrash, made sexual comments, and attempted to disrobe while threatening to defecate on staff. Due to her extreme level of intoxication and “tumultuous” behavior, she was placed directly into a detox cell.
Banks was remanded to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department on the following preliminary charges of battery on a public safety official, resisting law enforcement by force, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication.
The driver of the vehicle was released from the scene, and the confiscated contraband was taken to the Bedford Police Department for destruction.
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.
