BEDFORD — A Bedford woman was arrested Wednesday night following a domestic dispute that resulted in a foot pursuit and physical struggle with law enforcement officers, according to court documents.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Stuart Ratcliff, officers were dispatched to 802 J Street at approximately 8:32 p.m. on October 29, 2026, in reference to a physical domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the male caller, who reported that he had been kicked in the leg by 37-year-old Abbey Turpen.
The victim told police that he and Turpen had been arguing about her continuing to live at his residence. The argument escalated when the male began dragging a mattress toward the front door to put it on the porch. At that point, Turpen kicked him once in the right shin, causing him pain. The male victim then retreated to his bedroom to call 911.
Officers observed broken skin and redness on the man’s right shin. Personnel with IU Health responded to the scene to assess his injuries, and the male victim signed a battery affidavit requesting criminal charges against Turpen.
After discovering the back door of the residence was open and Turpen was no longer inside, officers searched the surrounding neighborhood. Officer Blackburn located Turpen sitting under a tree near J Street and Summit Lane.
When ordered to stand and submit to custody, Turpen fled on foot, ignoring verbal commands to stop. Officer Blackburn pursued her, took her to the ground, and encountered active resistance as she forcefully pulled away from being handcuffed.
Turpen was eventually secured and transported in Officer Haluda’s patrol vehicle to the Lawrence County Jail. During processing at the jail, Turpen continued to ignore officer commands and attempted to grab equipment on Officer Haluda’s duty belt, requiring officers to take her to the ground a second time to secure her.
Turpen was booked into the Lawrence County Jail on preliminary charges of domestic battery, resisting law enforcement by fleeing, and resisting law enforcement by force.
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.
