BEDFORD – The Bedford Police Department arrested a man accused of leaving the scene of an accident earlier this month.
Gavin Pruett, 21, of Bedford, faces a preliminary charge of leaving the scene of a property damage accident following an investigation into a hit-and-run at the Green Mill Lounge.
According to court documents filed by Sgt. Toby Gerkin, the investigation began on February 13, 2026, when a local resident, reported that his truck had been struck while he and his wife were dining at the restaurant located at 1205 K Street.
The vehicle owner discovered significant damage to his rear tailgate and bumper upon leaving the establishment around 6:30 p.m. Evidence left at the scene included fragments of a broken taillight from the suspect’s vehicle.
Bedford Police obtained security footage from The Green Mill, which reportedly showed a white Ford Escape backing into the victim’s truck at approximately 6:45 p.m.
The investigation took a turn when the victim provided police with a booking photo of Pruett, who had been arrested by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) on that same night.
Sgt. Gerkin coordinated with the Sheriff’s Department and confirmed that Pruett was driving a white Ford Escape at the time of his OWI arrest. Stone City Wrecker Service had impounded by Stone City Wrecker Service.
Upon inspection, the Ford Escape showed damage to the passenger-side taillight and rear bumper consistent with the surveillance footage.
Sgt. Gerkin noted in the affidavit that attempts to contact Pruett and his family for a statement were unsuccessful. Because Pruett is currently out on bond for other pending criminal charges, the Bedford Police Department requested that an arrest warrant be issued. He was detained on April 7.
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.
