BEDFORD — A Bedford man was arrested Saturday following a domestic disturbance that resulted in multiple criminal charges, including strangulation and resisting law enforcement.
Officers with the Bedford Police Department responded to a report of a physical altercation at a residence on 25th Street on June 14. Upon arrival, officers encountered two women outside the home. One of them, visibly distressed and injured, alleged that Michael Cooper grabbed her by the throat after she confronted him about yelling during an argument with another female inside the home.
The female told officers that she could not breathe during the incident and that Cooper had also taken her phone and slammed it when she said she was calling police. She showed visible redness around her neck and upper chest area, but declined medical treatment.
Another witness at the scene confirmed the account, telling officers that Cooper had forcefully grabbed the woman by the throat during the confrontation.
As officers attempted to make contact with Cooper, he briefly emerged from the home before retreating inside despite being ordered to stop. Officers followed him into the residence and took him into custody without further incident.
During questioning, Cooper acknowledged the argument and admitted that the situation may have turned physical. He repeatedly asked to speak with the alleged victim and expressed remorse, while also making contradictory statements about the extent of his actions.
Despite the alleged victim declining to press charges, officers deemed Cooper’s behavior and the severity of the incident sufficient to warrant an arrest. According to police, Cooper also attempted to interact with the witnesses while being escorted to the patrol vehicle and had to be physically redirected.
Cooper was transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Based on the investigation, he faces preliminary charges of:
- Domestic Battery
- Strangulation
- Interfering with the Reporting of a Crime
- Disorderly Conduct
- Resisting Law Enforcement
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
