BEDFORD — A Bedford man was taken into custody Wednesday after police say he assaulted another resident, caused damage inside an apartment complex, and started a fire in a nearby wooded area.
According to an affidavit filed by Officer Bailey Duprey, officers were dispatched around 1:23 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, to the 2600 block of Industrial Park Drive after multiple 911 calls reported a man acting erratically and battering another individual.
When officers arrived, several witnesses reported seeing Georg H. Rathburn strike another resident during a disturbance inside the apartment building. Witnesses told police Rathburn had been yelling, slamming doors, and hitting walls before the incident. The victim reported being struck in the stomach with a closed fist while standing in the doorway of his apartment.
Police also received reports of damage to security cameras and other property within the building.
Officers began searching the area after witnesses said Rathburn had left the building. During the search, Officer Turner and Officer Blackwell observed smoke coming from a wooded area near State Road 37. As they approached, they found a fire in progress.
According to the report, officers located Rathburn crouched near a smoldering pile of leaves and sticks. He was taken into custody after initially failing to comply with commands. Police reported that a lighter was found in his hand at the time of his arrest. Officers extinguished the fire, and the Bedford Fire Department was requested to the scene.
City officials later advised that the burned property belonged to the City of Bedford and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Rathburn was transported to the Lawrence County jail, where he was lodged on preliminary charges of arson, battery, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Police reported he displayed slurred speech and aggressive behavior during transport and allegedly made threats toward an officer.
Authorities documented damage inside the apartment complex and at the fire scene.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
