An Arkansas man is facing two charges after allegedly assaulting a person on his property on Oct. 29.
Chad Bessette, 69, of Eureka Springs, Ark., is charged with third-degree assault of a special victim and second-degree trespassing.
According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. Abby Parsons, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, another deputy had taken a report on Oct. 29 for an assault at a residence in Barry County.
The victim — who is more than 60 years old —reported he was disciplining his dog due to it chasing the school bus when an unknown male subject, later determined to be Bessette, allegedly pulled into his driveway, got out of his vehicle and began yelling at him not to be hitting the dog.
The victim said Bessette allegedly got in his face, threatened to “whip his [expletive]” and threatened to kill him. The victim said he then punched Bessette due to his proximity and alleged threats, and authorities noted the victim’s right hand around his knuckles was swollen.
The victim said Bessette allegedly kicked him in the right leg around the groin area, then hit him in the mouth. Deputies noted a bandage on the victim’s chin and blood and bruising on his upper lip.
On Oct. 31, Bessette provided a statement to Parsons, saying he was driving when he observed a man beating his dog.
Bessette said he stopped to check on the dog, and a verbal and physical altercation took place. He said the male subject grabbed his wrist and punched him, and he used his leg to push the man away.
Bessette stated the man began hitting his leg, and that he tried to hit the male. Parsons noted bruising on Bessette’s lower left leg, and Bessette also showed her a picture of a cut inside his mouth.
Bessette was transported to the Stone County jail, where he was charged and met a $10,000 cash bond on Friday.
Bessette appeared in a hearing on Monday and has a preliminary hearing set for Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. in the courtroom of Judge Robert Foulke.