BEDFORD — A disturbance across two local motels late Monday night resulted in the arrest of a homeless man after police say he repeatedly disrupted business operations while heavily intoxicated.
Christopher B. Conard, 45, was arrested by the Bedford Police Department on Sept. 22, 2026, and remanded to the Lawrence County Jail. He faces preliminary charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Major Dakoda Emmons, officers were dispatched to the Mark III Motel at 1709 M Street around 10:29 p.m. on Sept. 21 regarding an unwanted person.
Officer Stuart Ratcliff arrived on scene first and spoke with the motel manager, who reported that Conard was yelling and causing a disruption in the courtyard while management was assisting another guest. Conard told officers he was arguing with management over a female guest’s room conditions.
Officers observed that Conard displayed slurred speech, red and glassy eyes, poor balance, and unpredictable mood shifts ranging from cooperative to hostile. Because Conard had previously paid for a week’s stay, management issued him a cash refund and requested he leave the property. Officers gave Conard time to gather his belongings, repeatedly cautioning him to lower his voice after he continued to act in a disorderly manner.
After Conard collected his refund, Officer Sarah Haluda drove him to the Budget Inn to secure lodging for the night, while Major Emmons and Officer Ratcliff transported his personal belongings.
Although Conard initially paid for a room at the Budget Inn, he became aggressive and argumentative with staff regarding the room he was assigned. After initially calming down and moving his items inside, Conard became aggressive once again, prompting Budget Inn management to revoke his stay.
Officers subsequently placed Conard in handcuffs, and he was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. According to the affidavit, while held in his cell, Conard urinated on the floor, causing liquid to leak into the jail hallway.
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.
