Bedford Man Jailed After Allegedly Breaking Into Ex-Girlfriend's Home, Stealing Dog, and Headbutting Officer

A Bedford man faces multiple felony charges after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's residence to steal her dog and later headbutted a police officer during a high-risk parking lot arrest.

Spencer Douglas Tanner, 25, was arrested on Friday, July 3, 2026, by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department.

The Break-In and Stolen Dog

The investigation began when a female resident arrived at the sheriff's department to file a theft complaint. She reported that sometime during the previous night while she was away, her ex-boyfriend, Tanner, broke into her home in the 600 block of Patton Hill Road and stole her dog.

The victim noted that Tanner had not lived at the property since May or June and was currently residing in an apartment complex behind Lowe's. While speaking with investigators, the victim's stepfather received a phone call from Tanner's mother, who was desperately trying to negotiate the return of the dog in exchange for the family not pursuing criminal charges. The victim declined and signed formal vehicle and property theft verification forms.

Gun Drawn at Johnny's Junction

Approximately one hour later, deputies received intelligence that Tanner was traveling to Johnny's Junction in a newer-model silver Honda HR-V to return the pet. Multiple units, including Captain Anthony Pope and Deputies Augustus Hogan and Kenton Carter, rushed to the business parking lot.

Before arriving, officers received an explicit warning that Tanner was armed with a handgun. Deputy Carter pulled up, activated his emergency lights, drew his department-issued duty weapon, and ordered Tanner to show his hands.

Tanner initially denied having a weapon but then lifted his shirt, revealing a handgun tucked directly into his waistband. Deputies moved in, seized the firearm, and attempted to place him in handcuffs.

Headbutt and Pavement Takedown

Tanner immediately turned combative, violently tensing his muscles, locking his hands together to defeat the cuffs, and pulling his body away from the arresting units.

During the physical struggle, Tanner intentionally thrust his head forward and violently headbutted Deputy Hogan in the face. Deputy Hogan also reported that Tanner tried to kick him as they grappled.

Due to his violent resistance and active assault on a public safety official, deputies executed a controlled physical takedown to force Tanner to the ground. Because Tanner continued to fight forcefully on the way down, he struck his face hard against the asphalt, causing blunt-force trauma and bleeding to his nose and facial area.

Recovery and Jail Booking

An ambulance responded to the parking lot to treat Tanner, though he remained completely uncooperative with emergency medical personnel. After being read his Miranda rights, Tanner refused to speak to detectives and demanded to see his mother.

The stolen dog was located entirely unharmed inside Tanner's Honda HR-V, positively identified, and safely returned to the victim. Tanner was transported by Captain Pope to the Lawrence County Security Center for booking.

Spencer Douglas Tanner Preliminary Charges:

🔹 Burglary (Level 5 Felony)

🔹 Residential Entry (Level 6 Felony)

🔹 Battery Against a Public Safety Official (Level 6 Felony)

🔹 Interfering with Public Safety (Class A Misdemeanor)

🔹 Theft (Class A Misdemeanor)

Case Number: S26-00825 Arresting Officer: Officer Kenton Carter, Lawrence County Sheriff's Department

Disclaimer: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.