HS man charged with felony assault after allegedly hitting man with car

Melton
Melton

Hot Springs police charged a local man with felony assault Monday evening after he allegedly intentionally hit another man with his car, but he claimed the man jumped on the hood of his vehicle.

Darius Melton, 48, who lists a McClendon Street address, was taken into custody around 5 p.m. Monday and charged with felony aggravated assault, punishable by up to six years in prison.

He was later released on a $2,500 bond, and is set to appear in Garland County District Court on Sept. 12.

The probable cause affidavit said Hot Springs police who responded to the intersection of Mill Creek Road and Spring Street in reference to a pedestrian hit by a vehicle learned the driver, later identified as Melton, had already left the scene in a gray Kia Soul.

The victim was alert and conscious, but refused medical attention, stating he would seek treatment himself. He told police that Melton had struck him multiple times with his vehicle.

Two witnesses told police the victim had just exited a red Chevrolet pickup when he was struck by the Kia.

The witnesses said the victim appeared to jump out of the way after the vehicle struck him, running to a grassy area next to the road. The Kia reportedly struck the victim again, this time actually running over him.

While officers were still at the scene, Melton reportedly came to the Hot Springs Police Department, along with his wife. The two were placed in separate rooms and interviewed.

When Melton was asked whether he struck the victim with his vehicle, he allegedly stated the victim jumped onto the hood of his vehicle when he pulled up to him, and that he only "gassed it" to get him off.

Local on 08/30/2017

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