BEDFORD – A Bedford man is facing a charge of domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 5 felony, following an altercation over coffee creamer with his stepmother at their residence. The incident occurred on March 2, 2025, in the 200 block of Greenhill Addition Road.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Robin Compton, officers responded to a call from Smith’s stepmother regarding a physical altercation. Upon arrival, officers found the caller, Smith’s stepmother, with a potential leg dislocation and Smith suffering from a deep horizontal laceration and several other but more minor lacerations to his left forearm.
The investigation revealed that the altercation began after the stepmother directed Smith not to use the last of the coffee creamer since he was not working. She reported that Smith became angry and aggressive, allegedly punching her in the arm. A second male attempted to intervene and separate the stepmother and Smith. It was reported that at this time, Smith pushed or shoved the female, causing all three individuals involved to fall. The stepmother told police she believed this fall resulted in her leg injury since both men fell on top of her.
After the altercation, the affidavit noted that Smith went downstairs to his bedroom where he inflicted the lacerations to his arm. Officers found a significant amount of blood in Smith’s room, with the second male applying pressure to Smith’s wounds. At this time, the pressure was removed to apply a tourniquet to his arm before medical personnel arrived.
The stepmother was transported to the hospital for treatment of her leg injury, while Smith was taken to IU Bloomington for medical treatment and a psychological evaluation.
Based on the evidence gathered at the scene, a warrant was issued for Smith’s arrest on the charge of domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
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.
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