BEDFORD – A Bedford woman, Chasity Morgan Turpen, 35, was arrested on a charge of battery after an alleged physical altercation at a funeral service.
The woman told police she had been at the Free Methodist Church on R Street and was talking to a man who was there with two women, including Chasity Turpen. Turpen reportedly mentioned there might be an issue between the complainant and the other woman. As the complainant started to leave, the other woman accused her of trying to “hook up” with the man. The complainant denied it, said “whatever,” and continued walking toward her car while holding a salad and a piece of apple pie.
At that point, the complainant alleged Turpen shoved her hard in the back with both hands, causing her to drop her salad in the street. The complainant said she didn’t want things to escalate further, so she left and went to the police station to report the incident.
A witness at the scene confirmed the complainant’s account, saying she saw Turpen make a comment and then shove the complainant hard enough to knock her food out of her hands. The witness also noted it looked like Turpen got a “running start” before the shove.
Police later found Turpen at a home on 18th Street. Officers also spoke with the man and the other woman. The man said he saw an argument but didn’t see anyone get shoved; he claimed the complainant threw her plate of food. The other woman accused the complainant of threatening people and said Turpen only walked toward the complainant, who then dropped her salad herself.
Officer Bell collected photos of the dropped salad as evidence. Turpen was arrested and taken to the Lawrence County Jail. After being read her Miranda rights, Turpen told police she didn’t touch the complainant and only exchanged words before things “went sideways.”
Based on the statements and evidence, Officer Bell found probable cause to arrest Turpen for battery.
Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
