Domestic Disturbance Leads to Felony Arrest After Victim Reports Assault, Threats

JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect was arrested Saturday after police responded to a reported domestic disturbance on East Highland Drive, and a victim reported being assaulted and threatened.

According to the Jonesboro Police Department, on March 14, officers were dispatched to the 4800 block of E. Highland Drive, where they made contact with a victim who appeared extremely distressed and was hyperventilating.

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Police said the victim pointed out a gray van driving through the area and identified it as the suspect vehicle. Officers obtained a statement from the victim, who reported she had been assaulted by Christopher Lee Melvin, 39.

The victim told officers she and Melvin were inside the vehicle when he began striking her multiple times in the face and body. She told police she asked to stop so she could use the restroom and call 911. When she exited the vehicle and refused to get back inside, Melvin allegedly threatened to kill her.

According to the report, Melvin then attempted to retrieve a pair of scissors from the center console. The victim began yelling for help and moved away from the scene.

Officers later located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, identifying Melvin as the driver. Police confirmed Melvin had an active warrant and placed him under arrest.

During a search of the vehicle, officers reported locating a pair of box cutters and a pair of scissors inside the center console.

Police documented that the victim and Melvin had been in a dating relationship for approximately one year. Officers also observed visible injuries on the victim, including bruising to her right eye, the right side of her rib cage, and her left inner thigh.

Based on the victim’s statement, the observed injuries, and the threats reported to officers, police determined there was probable cause to charge Melvin.

Melvin was booked into the Craighead County Detention Center on charges of first-degree terroristic threatening and third-degree domestic battery, both Class D felonies.

District Judge Tommy Fowler set bail at $50,000 and issued a no-contact order, noting a history of violence on the affidavit. Melvin’s next court date is April 23.

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