BEDFORD – A Mitchell man was arrested Saturday afternoon after allegedly biting a police officer and spitting blood while being transported to a local hospital.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Department Major Clint L. Swanson, the incident began with a welfare check at the Dollar Tree on John Williams Boulevard.
On Saturday, April 26, at approximately 4:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the store regarding a man lying on a pillar outside the front entrance. Major Swanson arrived on the scene and attempted to wake the man, later identified as 46-year-old Darick D. Reynolds.
The affidavit states that Reynolds was initially unresponsive but eventually woke up and exhibited erratic movements. When asked for his name and date of birth, Reynolds allegedly provided a false name and birthdate. Upon checking law enforcement databases, Major Swanson discovered Reynolds’ true identity and an active parole warrant for his arrest with nationwide extradition.
When confronted about the discrepancy in his birthdate, Reynolds allegedly gave conflicting answers. As Major Swanson attempted to detain Reynolds, he reportedly resisted by forcefully turning his body and pulling his arms away. After being handcuffed and placed on the curb, Reynolds allegedly attempted to flee as officers arrived to assist.
The affidavit states that as officers were escorting Reynolds to a patrol vehicle, he “powerfully pulled away” and then allegedly bit Officer Jones on the upper right bicep, causing bleeding, lacerations, bruising, and damage to the officer’s uniform. Reynolds was then taken to the ground and restrained.
During transport to IU Health Bedford for medical evaluation, Reynolds allegedly spat blood onto Officer Haluda through the partition of the patrol vehicle. At the hospital, a search incident to arrest reportedly yielded a small bag containing a green pill identified as Clonazepam, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and another unidentified white pill.
Once medically cleared, Reynolds was transported directly to the Lawrence County Jail.
Darick D. Reynolds faces multiple preliminary charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer with moderate bodily injury, two counts of battery by bodily fluid, resisting arrest by force, identity deception, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct.
The affidavit notes that Reynolds was already on probation/parole for a prior felony conviction.
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.
