BEDFORD — The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department has filed a probable cause affidavit seeking an arrest warrant for a local man following a domestic disturbance that reportedly involved a firearm and the presence of a minor.
Richard Broadstreet, 56, of Bedford, faces preliminary charges of domestic battery in the presence of a minor, a Level 6 felony, and strangulation, a Level 6 felony.
On November 24, 2025, at approximately 6:27 p.m., Lawrence County Central Dispatch received a report of a physical domestic fight at a residence in the 5900 block of State Road 158. Upon arrival, Deputy Michael Martin was met by a witness on the front porch who stated that his mother’s husband had battered her before fleeing the scene on foot.
The female victim told investigators the incident began as a verbal argument regarding a coffee table she had purchased online. According to the affidavit, Broadstreet was upset about the material and condition of the table.
The situation escalated when the woman attempted to leave the residence with her grandson. She reported that upon her return, she found Broadstreet in the backyard holding a shotgun. The woman stated she attempted to persuade him not to harm himself, during which time Broadstreet allegedly discharged the firearm into the woods. A brief struggle ensued over the weapon, which the woman was eventually able to secure inside the home.
The physical altercation allegedly continued inside the residence. The woman reported that Broadstreet began throwing furniture in the living room while her grandson sat on a nearby couch.
In a bedroom at the rear of the house, Richard allegedly threw a mattress and, when the woman attempted to intervene, he reportedly picked her up and threw her onto it. The affidavit states that Broadstreet then slapped her in the face and forcefully grabbed her by the throat.
The victim told police the strangulation made it difficult for her to breathe until she was able to kick him away, causing him to release his grip and flee the residence with a backpack.
The couple’s grandson, who witnessed the furniture being thrown, told officers he felt “sad and scared” during the fight. Due to the presence of a child, the Indiana Department of Children’s Services was called to the scene to conduct an investigation.
Deputy Martin conducted a lethality screening with the victim, who scored at “high risk.” Following the screening, Sergeant Robin Compton contacted Becky’s Place to arrange for a domestic violence advocate to assist the victim.
A warrant was requested for Broadstreet’s arrest. He was detained on Friday, March 6th.
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.
