BEDFORD — A routine patrol on Friday led to the arrest of a local man after a Bedford Police officer recognized him as an individual with an active warrant. The encounter quickly escalated when the suspect allegedly admitted to possessing contraband that would lead to “a bigger charge.”
Tracy A. Gist, 41, of Bedford, was taken into custody on February 20, 2026. In addition to the original warrant, he now faces new preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe and possession of marijuana.
Officer Bailey Duprey was patrolling the area of 26th and U Streets when he spotted Gist. After confirming an active warrant for Gist’s arrest out of Jackson County, Officer Duprey made contact.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Gist initially disputed the warrant, claiming he had checked with the jail the previous night. He reportedly asked the officer for time to turn himself in later, a request that was denied.
As backup arrived and officers prepared to place him in restraints, Gist reportedly told the officer, “It’s gonna lead to a bigger charge, man,” before admitting he was carrying illegal items.
A search of Gist’s person incident to the arrest uncovered several illegal items, according to police reports a total of nine syringes were located. One of the syringes reportedly contained blood and a crystal-like substance.
Officers found a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance, and a broken hand-rolled cigarette with the same material.
The plunger of the used syringe tested positive for methamphetamine. The leafy substance yielded a positive result for marijuana.
Gist was transported to the Lawrence County Security Center and turned over to the custody of the Lawrence County Sheriff.
Because the arrest was made based on an existing warrant and the immediate discovery of new evidence, no new warrant was required for the additional charges.
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.
