BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on Monday, June 2, after allegedly resisting officers following a traffic stop for running a red light.
Jerry A. Ross Jr., 61, of Bedford, is facing charges of resisting law enforcement by vehicle and force.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Department Officer Sarah Haluda, she was on patrol around 3:30 p.m. on June 2, near 16th and O Streets, when she observed a black Jeep Grand Cherokee disregard a red light and almost strike another vehicle in the intersection. Officer Haluda recognized the driver as Jerry Ross, who is known to law enforcement as being “hostile.”
Officer Haluda initiated a traffic stop, and Ross pulled into a parking lot near 17th and O Streets. When Officer Haluda made contact, Ross reportedly admitted to running the red light. When asked for his driver’s license, Ross allegedly immediately attempted to open his car door into Officer Haluda. Despite being told to remain in the vehicle, Ross reportedly made a second attempt to open the door, stating he needed to exit.
The affidavit states that Ross then looked directly at Officer Haluda, put the vehicle in drive, and attempted to drive away. Officer Haluda commanded him to stop, and he complied. After being told to exit the vehicle, Ross allegedly turned around and tried to re-enter it. Officer Haluda attempted to pull Ross out, at which point he reportedly pulled away and squared up against her in an aggressive manner, telling her to “get off of him.”
Officer Haluda was able to place Ross in handcuffs while waiting for another officer to arrive. Ross reportedly told Officer Haluda that he attempted to drive away because she would not allow him to get out of the vehicle. Later, while at the Lawrence County Jail, Ross admitted that his actions were a result of being angry about being stopped.
The affidavit notes that officers confirmed Ross has some physical and mental impairments from a previous vehicle accident, but were unaware of any reason he would not understand the situation. The Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office also confirmed there was no reason to prevent charges based on his mental capacity, and his driver’s license does not have any restrictions noted.
Ross was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. His vehicle was inventoried and towed from the scene.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
