BEDFORD — Ethan C. Middleton, 23, of Bedford, was arrested on November 22 after leading police on a dangerous chase through the city, all while allegedly threatening to kill his girlfriend.
According to a probable cause affidavit from Bedford Police Officer Clint L. Swanson, the incident began around 8:23 p.m. when the Bedford Police Department received a call from a woman who reported that her boyfriend, Middleton, was threatening her life. She told dispatchers she was fleeing in her silver Nissan while Middleton chased her in his gray Jeep Patriot.
Officers quickly responded and located both vehicles approaching the 15th and J Streets intersection. As the woman ran a red light in an attempt to escape Middleton, Officer Haluda intercepted her near the Lawrence County Courthouse.
Meanwhile, Officer Swanson followed Middleton’s gray Jeep, observing him disregarding the intersection’s red light. Swanson activated his patrol car’s emergency lights and sirens, signaling Middleton to pull over. Instead, Middleton accelerated through the intersection and into the Lawrence County Courthouse parking lot, heading straight for the woman’s vehicle and Officer Haluda. Middleton was shouting at the woman as he sped toward her.
Upon entering the parking lot, Middleton was ordered to put his hands up and was immediately taken into custody by officers without further incident. He was placed in the rear of a patrol vehicle, where he was read his Miranda rights. Middleton reportedly told officers that he didn’t see the emergency lights but heard the siren, and he could not explain why he continued to chase his girlfriend despite the police presence.
The woman later told officers that the confrontation began as a verbal argument at their home on 13th Street. When she attempted to leave the apartment, Middleton allegedly threw a chair at her vehicle. As she fled, Middleton followed, driving aggressively and trying to ram her car. Throughout the ordeal, the woman stayed on the phone with police, providing them with real-time updates on her location.
The woman completed a domestic violence lethality screening and was referred to a domestic violence advocate for support. Middleton’s vehicle was inventoried and towed from the scene.
Middleton was arrested for resisting law enforcement by motor vehicle, criminal recklessness with a motor vehicle, and disregarding a traffic control device 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.
