BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on December 19, 2024, after being involved in an altercation at Mammas and Pappas, a local restaurant, where he caused a disturbance and resisted arrest. Bedford Police arrested John J. Werner, 49, of Bedford.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer J. Landon Jones, officers responded to the scene at 7:35 p.m. after receiving a report of a male causing a disturbance inside the restaurant and refusing to leave. Upon arrival, Officer Jones observed Werner, wearing a red sweatshirt, arguing with Jacob King, the establishment’s general manager. Officer Jones approached Werner, who immediately began yelling at him and attempting to explain the situation. Despite multiple requests to stop yelling, Werner continued to speak over the officer, displaying a belligerent attitude.
During the interaction, Officer Jones noted the strong odor of alcohol emanating from Werner’s person, his slurred speech, and his aggressive behavior. When asked if he had a ride home, Werner insisted he would walk despite Officer Jones advising him that it would be unsafe to do so in his intoxicated state. Werner then rolled up his sleeves and asked to be placed into handcuffs, which Officer Jones did, allowing him to sit while the officer spoke with other witnesses.
Witness statements revealed that the restaurant’s staff had asked Werner to leave due to his intoxication and disruptive behavior. According to the general manager, Werner had not been served any alcohol at the restaurant, as he was already visibly intoxicated upon arrival. Assistant Manager Autumn Barger corroborated this, stating that Werner had started bothering other customers as soon as he entered.
Following his trespass from the restaurant, Werner became increasingly resistant. While being escorted to the rear of the police vehicle, he attempted to walk away from officers and pulled away during the process, requiring physical restraint. After being placed in the vehicle, Werner submitted to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), which showed a blood alcohol content of 0.232%. He was then transported to the Bedford Police Department.
At the police station, Werner resisted again when officers attempted to escort him into the processing room, prompting further force to be used. A second PBT was administered at the police department, yielding a blood alcohol level of 0.25%. Due to his high level of intoxication, Werner was taken to IU Health Bedford for medical clearance. After being cleared, he was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.
John J. Werner has since been charged with public Intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest by force.
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.
