BEDFORD — A 19-year-old Bedford resident faces multiple criminal charges following an early Saturday morning incident involving reported gunfire, a discarded weapon, and a brief police search through an alleyway.
Braxton R.J. Pavey was arrested on October 3, 2026, after officers from the Bedford Police Department responded to reports of gunshots near the 1500 block of Q Street. Pavey has been charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, unlawful carry of a firearm, illegal consumption, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer J. Landon Jones, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call around 6:14 a.m. from a resident who heard several gunshots and observed a male in a backyard near the 1500 block of Q Street.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with witnesses who directed them west down an alley south of Q Street, indicating a male who appeared to be under the influence had fled on foot. During a search of the immediate area, Officer Jones discovered a black Glock 19 handgun along with a second magazine lying in the grass nearby. Investigators noted that the surrounding gravel appeared disturbed, indicating someone had recently dug into or moved the rocks.
Surveillance footage obtained from the 1500 block of Q Street showed Pavey running westbound through the alley at approximately 6:11 a.m. while holding the handgun. Additional footage showed him abandoning the firearm in the yard before fleeing. When officers later inspected the weapon, they noted a trigger malfunction that produced a distinct “clicking” noise, matching witness descriptions of a suspect attempting to pull the trigger.
Officers located Pavey sitting against a garage behind a residence in the 1700 block of 16th Street. He complied with police commands to raise his hands and was taken into custody without further incident. Police reported that Pavey was unarmed, visibly emotional, unsteady on his feet, and exhibited signs of severe alcohol intoxication.
A search of the area behind Pavey’s residence in the 1600 block of 16th Street yielded four spent 9mm shell casings, a 9mm drum magazine, a vape device, and a black sweatshirt.
Police spoke with a driver who had acted as a designated driver for Pavey and friends earlier that night. The driver stated Pavey was dropped off at his home shortly before the incident, adding that there had been no altercations during the evening to explain the gunfire.
Due to his level of intoxication and erratic behavior, Pavey was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for medical clearance before being booked. Police reported that while at the emergency room, Pavey was verbally aggressive toward medical staff and officers. After being cleared, he was submitted to a preliminary breath test at the Lawrence County Jail, which recorded a breath alcohol concentration of .225%.
Pavey remains in the custody of the Lawrence County Jail. Court records noted that Pavey has a pending felony charge in Monroe County from June 2025 for battery by means of a deadly weapon.
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.
