BEDFORD– A New Albany man was arrested in Bedford on Saturday, March 22, after police responded to a welfare check and subsequently took him into custody.
Chester Townsend, 51, of New Albany, was arrested after Bedford Police Department officers were dispatched to the Harbor Freight door entrance at 3305 16th Street at approximately 3:43 p.m. regarding a male subject sitting outside without shoes and with tape on his feet.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Stuart Ratcliff, upon arrival, officers made contact with Townsend, who stated he was in pain from recent toe amputations at IU Health Bedford Hospital three days prior. Townsend told officers he was attempting to travel to Louisville, Kentucky, and had walked to Harbor Freight from the hospital.
Officer Ratcliff reported observing that Townsend exhibited slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. Townsend admitted to consuming “half a pint” of alcohol…