Bradley County Sheriff’s Office arrests man for assault on local judge

Credit: MGN

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – On November 19,  Bradley County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault involving a local judge in  Cleveland, Tenn.

The local judge reported, while walking their dog in a neighborhood, they saw an oncoming vehicle driven by Joshua Dale Phillip Sanford and quickly moved out of the way, in fear of being struck.

The driver then reversed and drove toward the judge in an aggressive manner, prompting further fear for personal safety.

Sanford reportedly made comments that made the judge fear of retaliation for past actions.

Sanford was later located and arrested.

Sanford is charged with aggravated assault and retaliation for past actions and is being held without bond in the Bradley County Jail pending his arraignment on November 21st, 2025, in Bradley County General Sessions Court.

No victim information will be released at this time due to this being an active case.