BEDFORD– A Bedford man was arrested on Tuesday afternoon following a tense confrontation with Lawrence County Police, which began after he allegedly made suicidal remarks and threats to law enforcement.
Vitaly Kapanzhi, 49, of Bedford, was arrested on December 3, 2025, and faces the charges of battery on a police officer and resisting law enforcement.
According to the Probable Cause Affidavit filed by Sgt. R. Compton of the Lawrence County Police Department, the incident began around 4:02 p.m. when Central Dispatch received a call from an employee of IU Credit Union.
The employee reported that while speaking with Kapanzhi about a loan, Kapanzhi became hostile and asked if his wife would be responsible for the loan if he “shot his head off.” After receiving an answer, Kapanzhi allegedly responded in a manner suggesting approval, and the employee reported hearing what he believed to be a single gunshot.
Sgt. Compton, along with Officers Flynn, Hogan, and Atchison, were dispatched to the residence.
While officers were en route, dispatch contacted Kapanzhi, who reportedly stated that if officers arrived at his residence without a warrant, he would shoot them.
Upon arrival, officers maintained a distance and planned to make phone contact to de-escalate the situation. However, Kapanzhi reportedly exited a vehicle, approached the officers while yelling, and then began walking back toward his residence, ignoring Sgt. Compton’s order to return and speak with him.
Sgt. Compton then began approaching Kapanzhi with the intent to detain him due to the reported presence of a firearm and his unknown intentions.
According to the affidavit, as Sgt. Compton approached from behind, and Kapanzhi allegedly swung his right elbow backward, striking Sgt. Compton on the right side of the face.
Officers took Kapanzhi to the ground, but he reportedly resisted by keeping his hands tucked beneath his body. Officers eventually secured him after Sgt. Compton delivered four closed-fist strikes to his lower left back for pain compliance.
Once detained, Kapanzhi was provided with water, and medical personnel from Shawswick Fire Territory were called to the scene. He was later transported by law enforcement to IU Bedford for medical clearance before being processed.
During the investigation, Kapanzhi’s wife expressed concern for his mental state, advising that he suffers from service-connected PTSD. At her request, other officers remained at the scene to safely retrieve firearms from Kapanzhi’s vehicle, which were then stored in a gun safe by his wife.
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.
