Fourth Suspect Arrested in Brutal Downtown Jonesboro Attack

JONESBORO, Ark. — A fourth suspect finds himself facing charges stemming from the brutal October 5 incident in downtown Jonesboro.

Dashawn Cortez Pruitt, 29, of Steele, Mo., was arrested at 2:45 PM on October 20 for first-degree battery, a Class B felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison.

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On October 22, Judge Tommy Fowler set bail at $75,000 cash or surety with a no-contact order to protect the victims.

His next court date is December 16.

The newest probable cause affidavit in the ongoing case alleges that video captured Pruitt kicking one victim in the head while he is face down on the ground, surrounded by multiple others who are kicking him. According to Detective Morgan with JPD, Pruitt can also be seen kicking the other victim involved after he tries to run away, is pushed down, and is in a fetal position.

One video posted to social media allegedly shows Pruitt standing over a victim after most have left. The victim is completely unconscious, and his arms are spread wide. Pruitt then reportedly kicks the victim’s head while calling him a “pussy ass,” racial slang.

Pruitt was identified by his size, appearance, glasses, and a witness who was once close to him. Police say he is also known to associate with the other actors involved.

Three others were arrested last week for first-degree battery in the case, bringing the total arrested for first-degree battery to four.

Authorities are seeking to identify others seen in a newly circulated video as they continue to investigate.

NEA Report spoke with one of the brothers who was hospitalized from the incident and has since been released. His ribs are still hurting, he said, but his worries are with his brother.

“His mind is still not there,” he said.

The most seriously injured man is conscious, but the family says he’s having delusional episodes. They’re worried he has suffered permanent brain damage.

“You don’t have to go as far as stomping a person’s head into the ground at a fight, especially when they’re knocked out and cold. The fight is over,” he said.

While many on social media continue to debate fault for who started the fighting, the PC affidavit states that police requested the warrants based on different factors: the serious injuries sustained by the victims and what investigators described as an extreme indifference to the value of human life.

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