Local judge reportedly assaulted in residential neighborhood

Joshua Dale Phillip Sanford | Courtesy: Bradley County Sheriff’s Office

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — An arrest has been made after the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported assault on a local judge in Cleveland, Tennessee, on November 19, 2025.

The local judge reported that while walking their dog, a vehicle rapidly approached them.

A man named Joshua Dale Phillips Stanford was driving the vehicle, according to the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

After the judge moved out of the way, the driver reportedly reversed the vehicle and reapproached the judge.

Bradley County Sheriff’s Office deputies say he made comments that made the judge fear he would retaliate for past actions.

Sanford was later arrested.

He is charged with aggravated assault and retaliation for past actions.

He is being held at the Bradley County Jail without bond and his arraignment will be on November 21, 2025.