A man and woman from Corning, Arkansas, are facing assault charges in relation to an alleged assault that took place in February at the Surf Shop on Highway 67 South.
Billy L. Russell, 29, of Corning was arrested Wednesday by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department on the felony charges of first-degree assault, third-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. He is also accused of evading authorities in a high speed car chase following the February incident. He faces additional charges in Ripley County on felony resisting arrest by fleeing and creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Terina M. Bryant also has been charged with third-degree assault in relation to the incident.
According to the probable cause statement by Butler County Sheriff’s Deputy Kaleb Bridges, he responded to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center emergency room at 5:56 p.m. Feb. 14, in reference to an assault that reportedly occurred at the Surf Shop.
Authorities say they contacted a woman who reported being assaulted by Bryant and Russell. Russell is also accused of threatening individuals at the Surf Shop with a knife, according to the probable cause statement.
The reported victim had abrasions and cuts, according to authorities.
Bridges reported obtaining video of the incident from the Surf Shop, which he said showed a white female wearing a pink jacket, blue jeans and brown boots, who was identified as Bryant, begin assaulting a woman.
Bridges also said that he observed a white male, wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and black shoes, who was identified as Russell, pull what appeared to be a pocket knife out of his right pants pocket. Once Russell pulled out the knife, he allegedly began to jab it at several people. Bridges said in the probable cause statement the video he also showed Russell kicking the woman several times while she was on the ground.
Russell and Bryant allegedly fled from the Surf Shop in a red Chevrolet Camaro.
Later on the evening of Feb. 14, the Clay County Arkansas Sheriff’s Department attempted to stop a red Chevrolet Camaro, believe to be occupied by Russell, according to the probable cause statement. The Camaro allegedly fled Clay County deputies and a pursuit ensued across the state line into Ripley County, where Ripley County deputies continued to pursue the vehicle.
The Camaro finally was stopped by the use of spike strips, law enforcement reported, however, the driver of the vehicle, believed to be Russell, fled on foot. Bryant was a passenger in the Camaro and was apprehended at that time.
Billy Russell is being held on $150,000 bond at the Butler County jail, while Bryant is out on $25,000 bond.