BEDFORD — A man from Gary, Indiana, was arrested late Friday evening and charged with criminal mischief after he was allegedly observed tearing flowers out of planter pots near the Rosemount Motel and throwing them into a busy roadway.
Upon arrival, Officer Bower observed a man, later identified as Christian Hamilton, 28, of Gary. According to the probable cause affidavit, Hamilton was actively ripping flowers out of pots belonging to the Rosemount Motel and throwing the plants into the roadway. The debris forced vehicles to stop abruptly to avoid running over the flowers or being struck by them.
When Officer Bower parked and exited his patrol vehicle, Hamilton reportedly attempted to walk away. Captain Emmons intercepted the male, and Officer Bower placed Hamilton in handcuffs.
While Officers Haluda and Bell remained with the suspect, Officer Bower spoke with the Rosemount Motel manager, who contacted the owner by phone. The owner advised that he wished to press charges for the damage done to the landscaping.
During the initial detainment, Hamilton stated that he had recently left the Indiana Center for Recovery. Officer Haluda contacted the facility, which initially agreed to transport Hamilton back to his hometown of Gary.
The motel owner was called again and advised of the situation. He offered a conditional agreement, stating that he would not press charges if Hamilton compensated for the damaged flowers and committed to continuing his treatment.
However, the situation quickly changed. The Indiana Center for Recovery later notified officers that they would not transport Hamilton as planned. Furthermore, Hamilton informed officers that he had no money to compensate the motel owner for the damages.
Given the failed resolution and the owner’s initial intent to pursue charges, Hamilton was subsequently transported to the Lawrence County Jail on a criminal mischief charge.
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.
