BEDFORD — A neighborhood dispute escalated into a late-night arrest on Sept. 21 after a Bedford man allegedly harassed his neighbors, trespassed on their property, and fled from responding officers.
Mark Bunch, 46, of Bedford, was arrested by the Bedford Police Department and remanded to the Lawrence County Jail on Sept. 22. He faces preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement by fleeing, criminal trespassing, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Stuart Ratcliff, officers were first dispatched to a home in the 1400 block of 20th Street around 9:31 p.m. regarding a potential protective order violation.
The female resident reported that Bunch—her next-door neighbor—had been cursing at her security camera. She told police she had petitioned for a protective order against Bunch following a Sept. 17 incident where he allegedly harassed her through camera speakers. Her husband added that Bunch had previously threatened him over the speaker. Officer Ratcliff informed the residents that the protective order had not yet been formally served, logged the incident, and noted a “No Trespassing” sign posted on the property facing Bunch’s home.
At approximately 10:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to the residence a second time after the victims reported Bunch was outside yelling and aggressively demanding they come outdoors. Officers made contact with Bunch at his home, where he expressed frustration over his neighbor’s camera pointing toward his living room window. Officers advised him that such camera placement is legal, issued him a warning for disorderly conduct, and cautioned that further disturbances would lead to arrest. During the exchange, officers observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and poor balance.
Around 10:20 p.m., Officer Sarah Haluda observed Bunch leave his residence, walk onto the neighbors’ property, and approach their front door.
When Officer Haluda pulled up in a patrol vehicle and activated her emergency lights, Bunch turned and began running toward his carport. Officer Haluda gave commands for him to stop, pursued him into his carport, and placed him in handcuffs.
Video footage provided by the victims later showed Bunch walking up to the door, knocking, and attempting to open the storm door. On camera, Bunch can be heard cursing upon noticing the approaching police lights before attempting to flee.
Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on Bunch’s breath and person. After refusing a preliminary breath test, Bunch was transported to IU Health Bedford for medical clearance before being transferred to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.
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.
