Lawrence County Independent News and Public Records

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DEPARTMENT UPDATE: Leadership Changes at Bedford PD

DEPARTMENT UPDATE: Leadership Changes at Bedford PD

Significant personnel changes are taking place at the top of the Bedford Police Department this week.

Colonel Joe DeWees is retiring after more than 38 years of service to the City of Bedford. Major Brian Turpen is also concluding nearly 37 years of service to the community. Both officers are transitioning into new roles as School Resource Officers with North Lawrence Community Schools, where they will continue to serve the local school district.

Additionally, the board has officially promoted Major Jeremy Bridges to the rank of Colonel, effective July 4, 2026.

We will continue to track personnel changes and provide updates on the leadership within our local public safety departments.

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Police Log 07/01/2026

Police Log 07/01/2026

Police Log: June 30 – July 1, 2026 πŸ“ Bedford Police & Lawrence County Sheriff's Departments The following report covers local public safety activity from the past 24 hours. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Notable Arrests * πŸš” Robert Wilson (48), Bedford: 2631 16th St (Jay C Plus) – Arrested by Bedford Police at 4:11 PM on June 30 following a multi-offense vehicle incident. Charges include Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (.15% & Above / Co
By Lawrence County Independent News •

FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

BEDFORD, Ind. β€” A 65-year-old Bedford man has been taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, following a stabbing incident Sunday evening that left two victims hospitalized. The charges stem from an emergency response that began just before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, when dispatches indicated a stabbing near 17th and G Streets in Bedford. A second victim was located a short distance away near 17th and H Streets shortly afterward. Emergency medical
FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

Bedford Man Facing Felony Charges After Search Warrant Uncovers Meth, Cocaine, and Drug Parcels Shipped to Home

A Bedford man faces multiple felony charges following a multi-month narcotics investigation that culminated in a search warrant uncovering packaged methamphetamine, cocaine, and suspected mail-order narcotics deliveries at his residence. Chase Wells, 26, was arrested on Thursday, September 24, 2026, by the Indiana State Police. The Narcotics Investigation & Warrant Execution According to the sworn affidavit, the Indiana State Police had spent several months investigating methamphetamine dist
Bedford Man Facing Felony Charges After Search Warrant Uncovers Meth, Cocaine, and Drug Parcels Shipped to Home

Warrant Requested for Bedford Woman Accused of Smashed Windshield and Driveway Brawl

A Bedford woman faces criminal misdemeanor charges after sheriff's deputies say she smashed out another woman's car window with a baseball bat during an altercation at an Ozee Farm Road residence. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department has requested an arrest warrant for 43-year-old Natasha Johns of Bedford following an investigation into the late-August disturbance. The Disturbance on Ozee Farm Road On August 26, 2026, Lawrence County deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 300 blo
Warrant Requested for Bedford Woman Accused of Smashed Windshield and Driveway Brawl

FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

BEDFORD, Ind. β€” A 65-year-old Bedford man has been taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, following a stabbing incident Sunday evening that left two victims hospitalized. The charges stem from an emergency response that began just before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, when dispatches indicated a stabbing near 17th and G Streets in Bedford. A second victim was located a short distance away near 17th and H Streets shortly afterward. Emergency medical
FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

Police Log 09/29/2026

Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department Public Safety Log: September 28 – 29, 2026 All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Juvenile (15), Bedford: Cited by Bedford Police School Resource Officer at Bedford Middle School (1501 N St) on Sept. 28 at 12:22 PM for Unlawful Possession of Tobacco, E-Liquid, or an Electronic Cigarette. Incident Highlights * Search Warrant Execution: Bedford Police detectives and o
Police Log 09/29/2026

Police Log 09/28/2026

Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department Public Safety Log: September 27 – 28, 2026 All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Gavin Williams Arney (29), Branchville: Arrested by Bedford Police at Wilson Park on Sept. 27 at 2:28 PM for Possession of Methamphetamine. * Dustin Matthew Turpin (43), Bedford: Arrested by Bedford Police at Wilson Park on Sept. 27 at 2:28 PM for Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun with a Pri
Police Log 09/28/2026