Man arrested for violent assault in Jonesboro after girlfriend escaped vehicle by asking to use restroom

Court documents state a woman managed to escape a violent assault that occurred in Jonesboro by asking to use a restroom, leading to the arrest of a man on felony domestic battery and terroristic threatening charges.

Craighead County Sheriffs Office

Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Court documents state a woman managed to escape a violent assault that occurred in Jonesboro by asking to use a restroom, leading to the arrest of a man on felony domestic battery and terroristic threatening charges.

On March 14, Jonesboro police officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 4800 block of East Highland Drive. There, they met with the victim, who they noted appeared “extremely distressed and was hyperventilating.”

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According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim pointed out the suspect’s vehicle as it drove by the area. She identified the driver as 39-year-old Christopher Lee Melvin and stated he had just assaulted her. She explained that she and Melvin, whom she had been dating for approximately one year, were inside the vehicle when he began striking her multiple times in the face and body.

During the incident, the victim told Melvin she needed to use the restroom so that she could call 911. When she got out of the vehicle, she refused to get back inside, and Melvin threatened to kill her. The victim said Melvin attempted to get a pair of scissors from the center console of the vehicle, at which point she began yelling for help, and Melvin drove away.

Police noted the victim had visible injuries, including bruising to her right eye, the right side of her rib cage, and her inner left thigh.

Police later located Melvin, confirmed he had an active warrant, and arrested him. During a search of his vehicle, officers found a pair of box cutters and a pair of scissors inside the center console.

On March 16, Melvin appeared before District Judge Tommy Fowler, who found probable cause to charge him with two Class D felonies: first-degree terroristic threatening and third-degree domestic battery (multiple offenses within five years). He was given a $50,000 cash/surety bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim.

Melvin’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 23. If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.