BEDFORD — A 39-year-old Bedford man was arrested Saturday night on drug-related charges after a routine traffic stop uncovered hypodermic syringes containing methamphetamine residue.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Clay Blackburn, the incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on August 29, 2026. Officer Blackburn was patrolling near John Williams Boulevard and Beech Street when he observed a black Chevrolet Sonic driving erratically, pulling into empty business lots, and slowly coasting past storefronts near Tractor Supply.
Suspecting suspicious activity, Officer Blackburn followed the vehicle onto 16th Street and initiated a traffic stop near the Duke Energy entrance after the driver failed to use a turn signal.
Police identified the driver as Andrew C. Acton, 39, of Bedford. Acton was issued a written warning for the turn signal violation and subsequently gave officers consent to search his vehicle.
During the search, Officer Blackburn located a backpack on the passenger-side floorboard. Inside a front zipper pocket, officers discovered two used hypodermic syringes containing a liquid substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Officers also seized three loose prescription pills, which were later identified as blood pressure medication matching Acton’s account.
After initially claiming he was disposing of the syringes for an acquaintance, Acton admitted under questioning that the items belonged to him and acknowledged a history of methamphetamine use.
Arrangements were made for a friend to take custody of Acton’s dog, which was in the backseat of the vehicle during the stop. Acton was taken into custody by Officer Ratcliff and remanded to the Lawrence County Jail.
He faces preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe and possession of meth.
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.
