BEDFORD — A Bedford man faces multiple felony charges, including burglary and battery against public safety, following a reported domestic dognapping that escalated into a physical confrontation with law enforcement at a local gas station.
Spencer Douglas Tanner, 25, of Bedford, was arrested on-site Friday, July 3, 2026, by the Lawrence County Police Department.
The investigation began on July 3, when Lawrence County Police Officer Kenton Carter responded to headquarters to take a theft complaint from a female. She reported that sometime during the previous night, her ex-boyfriend, Tanner, broke into her residence on Patton Hill Road while she was away and stole her dog.
The woman told the officer that Tanner had not lived at the residence since May or June of 2026 and currently resided in an apartment complex off Stevens Avenue. During the police interview, Tanner’s mother reportedly contacted the victim’s stepfather, offering to return the dog if she agreed not to pursue criminal charges.
Believing Tanner was headed toward the Rushville area, where his family lives, the victim signed a Verification of Stolen Property form and stated she wished to press full charges for both the theft and the unlawful entry into her home.
Approximately one hour after the initial interview, police received a tip that Tanner was driving a newer-model silver Honda HR-V and was traveling to Johnny’s Junction to return the dog. Captain A. Pope, Officer A. Hogan, and Officer Carter immediately responded to the service station.
Upon arrival, officers spotted the silver Honda and a male matching Tanner’s description in the parking lot. Because dispatch had warned responding units that Tanner was armed, Officer Carter activated his emergency lights, drew his department-issued duty weapon, and gave loud verbal commands for Tanner to show his hands.
Tanner initially denied having a weapon but then lifted his shirt, revealing a handgun tucked into his waistband. Officer Carter successfully disarmed Tanner and secured the firearm, but the situation quickly deteriorated when officers attempted to place him in handcuffs.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Tanner became verbally combative and physically resisted arrest, tensing his arms, locking his hands together to block the handcuffs, and pulling his body away from the officers.
During the struggle, Officer Hogan reported that Tanner attempted to kick him. Officer Carter then personally witnessed Tanner intentionally thrust his head forward, headbutting Officer Hogan in the head.
To regain control over the combative suspect, officers executed a controlled takedown, assisting Tanner to the ground. Due to his continued forceful resistance, Tanner struck the pavement face-first, suffering blunt force trauma and injuries to his nose and facial area.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene to treat Tanner, though officers noted he remained completely uncooperative with medical personnel. After being read his Miranda rights, Tanner refused to make a statement, requesting only to speak with his mother.
The stolen dog was located unharmed inside Tanner’s vehicle, positively identified by the victim, and returned to her at the scene. Captain Pope subsequently transported Tanner to the Lawrence County Security Center for booking.
Tanner has been charged with the following offenses:
- Burglary (Level 5 Felony)
- Residential Entry (Level 6 Felony)
- Battery Against Public Safety (Level 6 Felony)
- Interfering with Public Safety (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Theft (Class A Misdemeanor)
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.
