BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Tuesday night on multiple felony charges after police say he forced entry into a residence, pointed a firearm at a victim, and attempted to stab him during a violent confrontation, according to an affidavit.
According to the affidavit, Sergeant Trevor Shelhart responded at approximately 10:49 p.m., May 20, to the 100 block of Mt. Pleasant Road for a reported fight in progress.
Police said Major Wade and Sgt. Shelhart arrived and encountered a witness who was holding a handgun and turned it over to officers. The witness directed officers to the suspect, identified as Dustin Levi Smith, 29.
According to the affidavit, Smith initially failed to comply with commands and attempted to walk away before officers caught up with him. During the struggle, officers and Smith fell off a ledge near a driveway before he was taken into custody.
Police said officers located two loaded 9mm magazines and two pocket knives in Smith’s belongings. Sgt. Shelhart reported minor injuries during the struggle.
Investigators said the homeowner later told police the suspect forced entry into the residence, pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at him, and demanded information about a woman he believed was inside the home. The homeowner allegedly reported that the suspect had made threats during the encounter and had briefly pressed the firearm against him.
According to the affidavit, the homeowner was able to disarm the suspect after a struggle and throw the weapon away from the residence. He then reportedly retrieved the firearm after the suspect produced a knife and attempted to stab him multiple times.
Police said the suspect was eventually disarmed of both weapons before officers arrived.
Investigators later recovered a Smith & Wesson M&P pistol with a loaded magazine and one round chambered, along with additional firearms and ammunition found in the suspect’s vehicle during an inventory search.
Smith was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and booked on preliminary charges of burglary while armed with a deadly weapon, battery while armed with a deadly weapon, intimidation with a deadly weapon, pointing a firearm at another person, residential entry, and resisting law enforcement.
As in all criminal cases, charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
