BEDFORD – A 20-year-old Bedford woman was arrested Wednesday morning at the Lawrence County Courthouse Plaza after she allegedly entered the building intoxicated, barefoot in freezing temperatures, and later attempted to escape from custody.
Samantha L. Cunningham, 20, is facing multiple charges following the incident on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which began when she walked through a security checkpoint visibly impaired.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Special Deputy Stephanie Irwin, Cunningham entered the courthouse plaza without shoes despite the outside temperature being approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Deputy Irwin noted that Cunningham smelled strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was unsteady on her feet.
After passing through security, Cunningham reportedly walked down the courthouse hallway “singing loudly about her condition.”
Shortly after her arrival, Probation Officer Rebecca Remillard alerted security that Cunningham had an active warrant for her arrest. Deputy Irwin and Probation Officer Raquel Turner located Cunningham and initially placed her in handcuffs without incident.
However, while waiting for a transport vehicle to the Lawrence County Jail, the situation turned physical. According to the report Cunningham managed to slip out of her handcuffs and pulled away from Deputy Irwin in an attempt to flee the building. Deputy Irwin was forced to “bear hug” Cunningham from behind to regain control, eventually taking her to the ground with the assistance of Officer Turner. Officer then forcibly re-handcuffed Cunningham as she continued to resist.
Additional officers arrived to assist in securing Cunningham, who was then transported to the Lawrence County Jail. During the booking process, a portable breath test reportedly showed her blood alcohol concentration (BrAC) at .117, well above the legal limit for operating a vehicle and a violation of her age status.
Cunningham faces preliminary charges of resisting arrest by force, interfering with public safety, disorderly conduct, public intoxication and illegal consumption by a minor.
The arrest was captured on courthouse surveillance video and officer body cameras.
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.
