BEDFORD – A local woman was taken into custody Tuesday night after a series of public disturbances that reportedly ended with her shouting racial slurs at hospital staff.
Hannah Stephenson, 39, faces preliminary charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct following the incident on April 7, 2026.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Joshua Turner of the Bedford Police Department, the situation began around 8:19 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the area of 16th and R Streets after a caller reported a female walking two dogs while making threats to harm herself and others.
Officer Turner located Stephenson at the intersection of 11th and R Streets. The officer noted the following observations during the initial encounter: Stephenson’s speech was slurred, and she was unsteady on her feet, falling multiple times while blaming her dogs. Police detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath as she continued to stumble.
Stephenson reportedly told officers she had no one to call for a ride and was attempting to walk to her grandmother’s residence on Oolitic Road. In an effort to resolve the situation, officers provided her with a courtesy ride to the property.
However, Stephenson’s grandmother expressed hesitation about letting her stay, citing past troubles. While officers spoke with the homeowner, Stephenson allegedly became increasingly disruptive outside. At the garage entry, Stephenson reportedly wandered to the back of the property and attempted to enter a garage.
She began yelling at other residents in the neighborhood. One neighbor told police she feared something “bad was happening” and had called a neighbor to alert them of the issue.
Police placed Stephenson under arrest after she refused multiple commands to stop yelling. She was initially transported to IU Health Bedford for medical clearance before being booked into jail.
The affidavit states that while at the hospital, Stephenson maintained an “abusive attitude” and directed racial slurs at the medical staff. Once cleared by doctors, she was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.
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.
