BEDFORD – Following an incident where he was found intoxicated, caused a woman to fear for her safety and fought with a Bedford Police officer, Michael Owen-Davis Bruce, 48, of Bedford, was arrested.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, the Bedford Police Department received a 911 call from a woman on Northwood Drive who reported that Bruce was at her residence and that she was afraid for her safety.
Officer Michael Bell arrived on the scene and found Bruce being restrained under the front porch by another male. Officer Bell observed a damaged coffee cup with brown liquid on the residence. The male stated that Bruce was on probation, intoxicated, and there was a protective order preventing him from being at the home.
During the interaction, Bruce was mumbling incoherently and exhibited signs of intoxication, including red/bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. When asked to have a seat, Bruce responded with profanity and then grabbed the other man’s arm.
Officer Bell intervened. A physical altercation ensued, during which Bruce attempted to strike Officer Bell, forcefully pulled away, and grabbed Officer Bell’s face and his police radio microphone. Officer Bell deployed a department-issued TASER to gain control.
After being handcuffed, Bruce attempted to grab Officer Bell’s crotch area. When Officer Sarah Haluda arrived on the scene, Bruce kicked Officer Bell in the thigh and crotch area and refused to enter the patrol vehicle. He was again taken to the ground, placed in leg restraints, and then assisted into the patrol vehicle.
Bruce was transported to IU Health Bedford for medical clearance and then to the Lawrence County Jail. At the jail, he performed a Preliminary Breath Test, which yielded a positive result for alcohol. He had a blood-alcohol level of 0.228 percent.
Officers spoke with the other male and female at the residence. The male stated that Bruce was unwelcome and had thrown the coffee. The woman said she did not have an active protective order against Bruce. She stated that he had come to her residence unannounced.
Bruce was charged with battery on a public safety officer, resisting arrest by force, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
