BEDFORD — A 38-year-old Bedford woman was arrested late Saturday night after allegedly blocking traffic, threatening to kill responding law enforcement officers, and kicking a deputy in the chest.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy Kyle Long, deputies responded around 11:13 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, to multiple reports of a woman lying in the roadway, rolling around, blocking traffic, and attempting to enter a passing vehicle near the intersection of Tunnelton Road and Robin Hood Lane.
Deputies arrived and located the woman, later identified as Kelly Nikirk of Bedford. Deputy Long noted that Nikirk was acting erratically, displaying symptoms consistent with being under the influence of drugs or another intoxicating substance. She was disoriented, struggled to answer basic questions, made random statements, and referred to Deputy Long as the “antichrist.”
When officers tried to speak with her, Nikirk attempted to walk away. Deputy Long briefly took hold of her arm to prevent her from leaving for her safety. After being warned that her continued disorderly behavior could lead to arrest, Nikirk cursed at officers and threatened Deputy Long.
Deputies placed Nikirk in handcuffs and secured her in the rear of a patrol vehicle. While inside the cruiser, Nikirk made additional death threats, stating, “I should kill you,” and calling out for anyone listening to “kill” the officer.
Although EMS responded to the scene, Nikirk refused medical evaluation. While deputies were speaking with her in the patrol car, Nikirk became irate and attempted to force her way out of the vehicle. As Deputy Kaden Flynn and Deputy Ryan Paschall attempted to keep her seated inside, Nikirk allegedly kicked Deputy Flynn in the chest and threatened his life.
Dispatch confirmed Nikirk’s identity and verified her address after she initially provided a different last name. Deputies later secured her residence, which had been left with its doors and windows open.
Nikirk was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and booked on preliminary charges of:
- Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 felony)
- Intimidation – threat to law enforcement (Level 6 felony)
- Interfering with public safety (Class A misdemeanor)
- Disorderly conduct (Class B misdemeanor)
- Obstruction of traffic (Class B 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.
