Crime & Safety
Lawrence County, IN Arrest: Man Accused of Gun Threat
Bedford, IN – A 50 year old Bedford man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly pointing a loaded firearm at a female family member and threatening to kill her if she did not leave his property, author
By Blake Harrison · 2026-10-01T18:46:17.694Z
Bedford, IN – A 50 year old Bedford man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly pointing a loaded firearm at a female family member and threatening to kill her if she did not leave his property, authorities said.
According to the Lawrence County Sheriff ’s Office , deputies received a 911 call around 1:57 p.m. reporting that Vitaly Kapanzhi had allegedly threatened the woman with a gun. Deputies responded, took a report and monitored the residence while additional assistance was arranged.
The sheriff’s office said deputies had responded to a separate incident involving Kapanzhi the previous day. Authorities said officers attempted for more than an hour during that earlier encounter to de escalate the situation and offer assistance.
Following Wednesday’s reported threat, the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office assisted investigators in obtaining arrest warrants. Authorities said the allegations included intimidation with a deadly weapon, pointing a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm by a person under indictment and a petition to revoke pre sentence release.
The Indiana State Police SWAT team was requested to assist with the arrest because authorities believed Kapanzhi could be armed.
According to the sheriff’s office, officers encountered him in his driveway and repeatedly attempted to gain his compliance. Authorities said he moved toward the residence before SWAT personnel used less lethal measures and deployed a K 9.
Kapanzhi was taken into custody without lethal force, the sheriff’s office said. He was transported to IU Health for treatment of minor dog bites before being booked into the Lawrence County Jail, where authorities said he was being held without bond.
Investigators also executed a search warrant at the residence and removed firearms, according to the department.
All charges are allegations. Kapanzhi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.