BEDFORD — A Mitchell man was taken into custody Saturday morning after employees at a local restaurant reported he was repeatedly losing consciousness in the lobby.
Steven S. Stroud, 45, faces a preliminary charge of public intoxication following the incident on April 25, 2026.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Steven Hatton Jr. of the Bedford Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Burger King located at 2601 16th Street at approximately 8:03 a.m. Staff reported a male in the lobby who was “nodding in and out.”
Upon arrival, Officer Hatton encountered Stroud, who reportedly woke up startled when the officer began to speak with him. Stroud told investigators he was sleeping because he was tired following a hospital release the previous night. He further claimed he had injured his back and was unable to stand.
During the interaction, Officer Hatton noted several indicators of intoxication. Stroud struggled to provide his full name and date of birth and would begin to “nod off” in the middle of sentences. Officers observed that Stroud’s pupils were pinpoint and glassy, and he appeared to be sweating profusely. Stroud was wearing only one shoe, with the other located across the table, and repeatedly asked questions that had already been answered.
The restaurant manager informed police that while she initially allowed Stroud to sleep, his continued inability to stay awake began to concern the staff.
Stroud was escorted to his feet and placed in handcuffs. Due to his physical condition and his claims of a recent hospital visit, he was first transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for medical clearance.
Following the medical evaluation, Stroud was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.
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.
