Paragould Man Faces Felony Battery Charge

PARAGOULD, Ark. — Authorities released a probable cause affidavit on Friday detailing a felony arrest following a domestic violence incident this week in Paragould.

On August 14, officers were dispatched to a residence in Paragould in reference to a physical domestic altercation, the PC affidavit states. Police arrived and spoke with the alleged victim, who said the defendant had been beating her for the past few days while using methamphetamine. Just before the police arrived, she said he slapped her in the face. Officers noted redness and swelling to the left side of the victim’s face.

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Police arrested the suspect and attempted to transport him to jail but had to be redirected to the hospital due to him having a panic attack. Hospital staff cleared the defendant, advising he was experiencing drug-induced psychosis.

Steven Henderson, 37, of Paragould, was arrested for third-degree domestic battery. The charge is normally a misdemeanor but it becomes a felony if committed against either a pregnant victim or if there have been domestic violence charges in the previous five years.

The affidavit says Henderson was found to have a prior conviction within the last five years for third-degree domestic battery. That incident involved the same victim.

Henderson was interviewed and upon waiving his Miranda rights, the affidavit alleges he made incriminating statements.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.