BEDFORD — A welfare check at a local motel on Sunday evening resulted in the arrest of a man on felony charges after a woman reported being pinned against a wall and strangled during an argument.
Lonnie Williams, 40, was taken into custody by the Bedford Police Department on preliminary charges of domestic battery with bodily injury and strangulation.
The incident began at approximately 6:20 p.m. on April 19, 2026, when officers were dispatched to the Super 8 Motel on Bellback Road. Dispatchers received a report from a woman’s daughter, who stated she had received a text from her mother, asking her to “send help.” While officers were en route, The victim reportedly called 911 but remained silent on the line while keeping the connection open.
Upon arrival, Officer J. Landon Jones and Major Swanson located the victim walking through the parking lot with Williams. While Williams sat in a parked vehicle, Officer Jones spoke with the female victim, who provided a recorded statement regarding the afternoon’s events.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the couple had been staying together in room 114. The woman stated that an argument began earlier that day at a liquor store after she unintentionally embarrassed Williams by giving him the wrong amount of money for a purchase.
The situation escalated at the motel after Williams allegedly began drinking. The victim reported that Williams became aggressive when he realized he was locked out of her vehicle. According to the victim’s statement, Williams confronted her inside the room and began yelling. He allegedly ran at her, grabbed her throat with both hands, and pinned her against the wall. The assault caused pain in her neck, and Officer Jones noted visible redness in that area.
While the victim could not recall if she lost consciousness or how long the pressure was applied, she indicated she wished to press charges.
When questioned by officers, Williams reportedly told investigators he “did not have a side of the story” and stated that “whatever (the woman) told [officers] is the truth.”
Although Williams denied being physical with the woman and denied drinking, Officer Jones reported a strong odor of alcohol on Williams’ person and breath. After being read his Miranda warnings, Williams again told officers to believe the victim’s account of the incident.
Williams was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. Evidence, including photographs of the victim’s injuries and body camera footage, has been filed with the incident report.
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.
