BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on October 26 after Bedford Police Department officers responded to a public concern regarding a man found lying on the ground near the intersection of Plaza Drive and Patrick Robbins Way.
Officer Clay Blackburn was dispatched to the location after a passerby worried about the individual’s well-being. Upon arrival at approximately 11:10 a.m., Officer Blackburn encountered 43-year-old Aaron W. Ryan, who was resting in the grass.
Although Ryan initially stated he was merely taking a break, further questioning revealed discrepancies in his claimed identity. Ryan first identified himself as “Israel Judah,” providing a date of birth of July 27, 1981. He appeared nervous during the exchange and could not give the last four digits of his Social Security number when asked. Suspecting deceit, Officer Blackburn contacted dispatch to verify the information, but there were no records of anyone matching Ryan’s initial claim.
As the situation progressed, Sergeant Dodd arrived on the scene to assist. After being placed in a patrol vehicle, Ryan claimed his name was “William Ryan,” maintaining the same birth date. Eventually, he reverted to his correct name, Aaron Ryan, giving his actual date of birth as March 4, 1981.
This time, a dispatch check confirmed an outstanding warrant for theft out of Monroe County. Officer Blackburn formally arrested Ryan for providing a false identity and the warrant.
Following the booking procedures, Ryan was taken to the Lawrence County Jail.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
