BEDFORD — A road rage dispute over parking lot right-of-way led to the arrest of a Bedford man Sunday evening after police responded to reports of a physical altercation at Walmart.
Jeffrey Purdy, 61, was arrested by Bedford Police officers on Sunday, August 16, 2026, on preliminary charges of battery and disorderly conduct.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Joshua Turner, dispatchers received multiple 911 calls at approximately 7:34 p.m. reporting an ongoing fight in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 3200 John Williams Boulevard.
Responding officers arrived to find a crowd gathered between rows 9 and 10, with several bystanders unable to access their vehicles due to the blocked driving lane.
Investigating officers spoke with the male victim, who stated he was driving down the row searching for a parking space when he encountered a vehicle driven by Purdy traveling the wrong direction down the one-way aisle. With both vehicles facing head-to-head, neither driver would back up or yield, resulting in a prolonged standoff.
Witnesses told police that Purdy eventually exited his vehicle and approached the other driver, sparking a heated verbal argument. According to court records, Purdy then forcibly grabbed the other driver by his shirt, ripping the fabric and leaving a minor abrasion on the other driver’s neck.
A female bystander reported seeing Purdy initiate physical contact and stepped in to separate the two men before Purdy retreated to his car to await law enforcement.
When interviewed by police, Purdy admitted he knew he was traveling the wrong way down the parking row but felt the victim should have let him pass. Purdy acknowledged confronting the male victim and grabbing him by the shirt, reportedly telling officers during questioning, “He’s lucky he didn’t get punched.” Purdy confirmed that the victim had not initiated any physical aggression.
Although the victim indicated to officers on scene that he did not wish to press battery charges, officers placed Purdy under arrest based on witness accounts, physical evidence, and Purdy’s self-admission.
Purdy’s vehicle was blocking the busy parking aisle. It was towed from the scene by Stone City Collision following a standard inventory search.
Purdy was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where he was booked and lodged.
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.
