Man Accused of Assaulting Former Girlfriend, Trying to Stop 911 Call

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Tennessee man is accused of repeatedly assaulting his former girlfriend, trying to prevent her from calling 911 and threatening to kill her during an incident at a Jonesboro residence.

Sedrick Deshun Carter, 25, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony; first-degree interference with emergency communication; and third-degree domestic battery. The latter two charges are misdemeanors.

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Jonesboro police responded at approximately 1:22 a.m. June 8 to Lake Drive for a reported domestic disturbance, according to a probable cause affidavit.

An officer found the alleged victim visibly shaken and upset in the front yard. Her shirt was torn in several places, including around her arms and back, and officers observed redness on her face and triceps area, the affidavit states. The woman told police she and Carter had previously been in a romantic relationship for approximately six years, but were separated. Carter, who lives in Tennessee, was visiting her at the residence.

The two were sitting on a couch when Carter allegedly began making sexual advances. When the woman said she did not want to engage in sexual activity, Carter allegedly pushed her from the couch onto the floor and began striking her in the face with a closed fist. The woman attempted to defend herself during the altercation. When she tried to retrieve her phone to call 911, Carter allegedly punched, kicked and stomped her, striking her head, arms, hands, legs and knees, according to the affidavit.

Police said Carter repeatedly stomped on her arm and kicked her hand to stop her from using the phone. After the phone fell from her hand, Carter allegedly stomped on it in an attempt to damage or disable it.

The woman eventually recovered the phone and positioned herself between a television stand and a wall. Carter continued trying to knock the phone from her hand, but she was able to complete the 911 call, the affidavit states.

During the incident, Carter allegedly told her, “Now you can call them.”

After the call was completed, Carter allegedly pushed past the woman and left the residence. Before leaving, he threatened to kill her, according to police.

The woman told investigators she believed the threat was credible and said Carter had a firearm inside his vehicle.

She followed Carter outside and stood in front of his vehicle. Carter allegedly accelerated forward at a high rate of speed, forcing her to move to avoid being struck. He then fled the area, the affidavit states.

Inside the home, officers observed displaced furniture, couches moved from their normal positions and items scattered throughout the living room, which police said was consistent with a violent physical altercation.

During a recorded interview, officers observed bruising on the woman’s leg, a mark on her abdomen and an injury beneath her right arm. She also complained of head pain and was limping while walking.

Carter’s bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety.

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