BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — A man now faces serious charges following the reopening of a case by the Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD). Originally launched last year, the investigation into felony sexual assault and other allegations has been reignited.

According to a BVPD statement, the case, first initiated in December 2024, was revisited after a separate domestic violence incident emerged, alongside a distinct inquiry into Kent Bearden conducted by Detective Chris Cappetta.

This renewed scrutiny resulted in the apprehension of 66-year-old Kent Bearden, a resident of Bristol, Virginia.

Authorities revealed that Bearden’s location was reported on Wednesday morning, leading officers to find him at a McDonald’s in Bristol, Tennessee. The Bristol, Tennessee Police Department (BTPD) promptly took him into custody.

In Tennessee, Bearden is currently facing charges as a fugitive from justice.

The Bristol, Virginia, commonwealth attorney’s office approved extradition on the outstanding warrants, the release said. Bearden was charged in Virginia with one count of felony sexual assault, three counts of assault and battery against a household and family member, and one count of misdemeanor destruction of property.

The release said this investigation is a “great example of teamwork” by the BTPD, BVPD, the BVPD Special Victims Unit, and the BVPD Domestic Violence Unit.