A local man is charged with two misdemeanors and was placed on a 12-hour hold then 96-hour hold after allegedly causing a disturbance at the tractor pull in Cassville on July 6 and subsequently assaulting a police officer.
Tanner Williams, of Cassville, is charged with misdemeanor assault and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
According to a probable cause statement filed by Officer Codie Evatt, with the Cassville Police Department, at 7:30 p.m. on July 6, he was dispatched to the Stumpff Family Event Center at 465 State Highway 76 in Cassville in reference to a disturbance.
Upon arrival, Evatt made contact with a witness who said Williams walked to the announcer stage and threatened the announcer, then walked through the crowd using foul language.
Evatt said the announcer disclosed Williams began yelling at him and accusing him of making fun, and the announcer responded that he did not know Williams. Williams then said if the announcer did not stop, he would shoot him.
Evatt said another witness informed him Williams was believed to be carrying a firearm in his jeans, and he had fled the scene in his vehicle before Evatt’s arrival.
Evatt was told Williams was driving by the event, and he located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. He said he explained to Williams the reason for the stop, and Williams allegedly argued about the incident. Williams said when he arrived at the tractor pull, the announcer began to say bad things about him, and Williams told Evatt he confronted the announcer and initiated a verbal altercation.
Williams denied having a firearm, and two Barry County deputies arrived and began to question him about the incident. Evatt said a verbal altercation with the deputies developed, and when Williams stepped out of his vehicle, Evatt observed a black gun inside his waistband.
Evatt said Williams was instructed to keep his hand up, but he refused. Evatt then grabbed Williams’ arms, and Williams allegedly resisted. After a short period, Evatt said, authorities were able to restrain Williams and remove the firearm, which was confiscated and placed on a 30-day safe keep.
Evatt said when Williams was calm again, the conversation about the tractor pull incident resumed. Williams disclosed a medical diagnosis and said he had been treating it. He also allegedly admitted to threatening the announcer.
Evatt contacted the Clark Center but was informed Williams did not meet the requirements for a 96-hour mental evaluation hold. Instead, he was transported to the Monett Police Department’s jail for a 12-hour hold.
Danny Boyd, Barry County sheriff, said the Monday following the incident, the sheriff’s office finalized paperwork to go forward with a 96-hour hold.
