BEDFORD, Ind. — A Bedford woman who explicitly told emergency dispatchers she knew she was wanted by police is now facing several additional felony and misdemeanor charges after violently resisting officers during her arrest on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Diovionne Banks, 27, of Bedford, was taken into custody and booked into the Lawrence County Jail. She faces preliminary charges of battery on a public safety official, resisting law enforcement by fleeing, and resisting law enforcement by force.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Sergeant Nick Crulo, the incident began when officers were dispatched to a home in the 1800 block of 14th Street regarding an active verbal argument.
While on the line with Bedford Police Dispatch, Banks openly stated to the dispatcher that she was aware she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Dispatchers quickly verified the active warrant and relayed the confirmation to responding units.
Upon arrival, Sgt. Crulo knocked on the front door and requested that dispatch instruct Banks to step outside. Instead, Banks flung the front door open and immediately fled deeper into the house.
Sgt. Crulo reported that an aggressive dog was perched on furniture just inside the open entryway. He ordered Banks to return to the front door and secure the animal before officers stepped inside, but she refused to comply. A juvenile inside the home eventually grabbed the dog and moved it to the back of the residence, allowing Sgt. Crulo and Captain Emmons to safely enter.
Officers located Banks inside a bedroom and ordered her to stand up and place her hands behind her back. As Sgt. Crulo attempted to secure her in handcuffs, but Banks began aggressively pulling her arms away and flailing. Sgt. Crulo noted that a large, fixed-blade knife was sitting on a table in immediate proximity to where Banks was struggling.
After officers successfully clicked the handcuffs onto her wrists, Banks began grabbing and pinching Sgt. Crulo’s skin. To gain control and safely double-lock the handcuffs, officers had to force her down onto the bed.
While pinned to the bed, Banks reportedly boasted to the arresting officers about a past incident, admitting that she had previously assaulted a female law enforcement officer by grabbing her genital area.
The physical altercation continued as Captain Emmons and Sgt. Crulo attempted to escort Banks out of the house. Banks refused to walk, repeatedly spun around toward the officers, and had to be forcibly guided toward the exit.
Once outside the residence, Banks began grabbing and pinching Sgt. Crulo’s arm again, causing him physical discomfort. To prevent further assault, officers took Banks to the ground and held her down until leg shackles could be retrieved. Once fully restrained, she had to be physically carried to Officer Duprey’s patrol vehicle.
Banks was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for booking. According to subsequent reports provided by responding Officers Turner and Duprey, Banks’ combative behavior intensified upon arrival at the jail. Jail staff reported that Banks stripped naked, began “twerking” on the correctional officers, and continued to physically resist. Deputies eventually utilized a “drive stun” from a Taser to gain her compliance.
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.
