Bedford Man Jailed for Battery on Law Enforcement After Allegedly Slapping Officer in Face During Disturbance

A Bedford man with a staggering blood alcohol content was booked into the Lawrence County Jail after he allegedly slapped a police officer in the face during a neighborhood disturbance check.

Jobe Sergent, 26, was arrested on the evening of Thursday, July 2, 2026, by the Mitchell Police Department.

The Neighborhood Disturbance Call

At approximately 8:17 p.m., Mitchell police officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Dale Street following reports of a highly belligerent male throwing objects around the neighborhood. Callers informed emergency dispatchers that the individual had also destroyed personal property by throwing someone's potted plants.

Upon arrival, officers intercepted Sergent, who immediately exhibited extreme signs of physical intoxication. Investigating personnel noted a strong odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from his person, severe slurred speech that rendered his statements incomprehensible, and a total lack of physical balance. Sergent was swaying violently back and forth before stumbling directly into a shift supervisor and leaning heavily on him to stay upright.

The Unprovoked Assault

The situation escalated rapidly when Sergent righted himself and began walking toward Officer Phillip Emery. Sergent extended his hand outward, mimicking a standard handshake gesture.

When Officer Emery extended his own hand in response to the peaceable gesture, Sergent abruptly struck the officer across the face with an open hand.

Officers immediately grabbed Sergent's arms to restrain him and place him in handcuffs. Sergent ignored direct verbal orders to get on the ground and actively fought the restraint efforts until a third officer approached from behind to assist in a physical takedown. Sergent was forced to the pavement, secured in mechanical wrist restraints, and searched.

Extreme Intoxication Level

Once placed in the rear of a patrol cruiser, Sergent agreed to submit to a roadside Preliminary Breath Test (PBT). The evaluation registered a blood alcohol content of 0.256%—more than triple Indiana's legal driving limit.

Due to the dangerously high level of alcohol in his system, Sergent could not be booked directly into the facility and had to be transported to the IU Health Bedford Emergency Room for formal medical clearance. Officers noted that Sergent remained combative and belligerent through the entirety of his medical examination, requiring multiple orders to stay seated.

Once cleared by hospital staff, Sergent was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.

Preliminary Charges:

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

🔹 Public Intoxication (Class B Misdemeanor)

🔹 Disorderly Conduct (Class B Misdemeanor)

Case Number: M26-00312 Arresting Officer: Officer Phillip Emery, Mitchell PD

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