JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man is facing two Class Y felony charges after police said a welfare check led to allegations of kidnapping, rape and domestic violence.
Demetric Howard, 51, of Jonesboro, was arrested after Jonesboro police were dispatched at about 9:15 p.m. June 21 to a residence on Johnwood Drive for a welfare check, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The welfare check was requested after the victim’s boyfriend received a call from the victim’s ex-husband indicating she may be in danger, the affidavit states.
When officers arrived, they met with the woman, who was outside the residence and appeared upset. Police said she had blood on her face and other visible injuries.
According to the affidavit, the woman told police she had taken her daughter to Howard’s residence. After her daughter got out of the vehicle, Howard allegedly got into the passenger seat and told the woman to drive to a truck stop on Arkansas 49 South.
While at the truck stop, police said Howard allegedly punched the woman in the head with a closed fist, pepper sprayed her in the face and struck her with “brass knuckles,” according to the affidavit.
The woman also told police Howard forced her to perform sexual acts, the affidavit states.
Police said they observed injuries that included a large knot on her forehead, cuts on her forehead and red marks on her neck.
Howard was not immediately taken into custody. According to the affidavit, he told a bondsman and an attorney he would turn himself in but did not.
On July 7, deputies went to the Johnwood Drive residence to look for Howard. While checking the home’s security cameras, a deputy saw Howard leave the residence through a back window, according to the affidavit.
Deputies said Howard ran toward a fence and attempted to jump it before seeing a deputy on the other side. He then turned around and walked back toward the residence while refusing commands, the affidavit states. Deputies deployed a Taser and took him into custody.
Howard was arrested for rape and first-degree kidnapping, both Class Y felonies; first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony; and misdemeanor counts of third-degree domestic battery, fleeing and resisting arrest.
His next court date was set for Aug. 21. Bond was set by Judge David Boling at $75,000 cash or surety, with a GPS ankle monitor ordered per agreement with the deputy prosecuting attorney.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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