BEDFORD – A Bedford woman was arrested on Monday, November 18, after being found intoxicated in the area of 12th and I Streets.
According to the Bedford Police Department, Heather N. Vestal, 53, was taken into custody on charges of public intoxication and resisting arrest by force.
At approximately 5:06 p.m., Bedford Police officers were dispatched to the area of 12th and I Streets following reports of an intoxicated female. The woman was last seen rolling around in the grass of the Second Baptist Church on I Street. Police were informed that she was wearing a denim jacket and blue jeans.
Upon arrival, Officer Landon Jones located Vestal in the front yard of a home in the 700 block of 12th Street. Police say Vestal exhibited signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, unsteady movements, and uncontrollable actions of her head and mouth. When asked about her residence, Vestal initially denied living there but later claimed she resided there with a man named Sonny Wessell, who the officer recognized as Kenneth Turpin.
As the officer attempted to engage Vestal further, she exhibited erratic behavior and appeared disoriented. She was then subjected to a pat-down to check for any weapons. While officers tried to place Vestal into handcuffs, she resisted by pulling her arms away with significant force. Despite the resistance, she was successfully restrained and escorted to the rear of the patrol vehicle.
Vestal, who continued to struggle, claimed she was asleep when the officers arrived. She was eventually placed in the back seat of the police vehicle and transported 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.
