A Benton woman was arrested on a felony warrant on Friday stemming from allegations she assaulted and injured her 80-year-old mother, of Hot Springs, in December.
Donna Renee Scott, 60, who lists a Benton address, was taken into custody shortly before 2 p.m. at the Hot Springs Police Department on a felony charge of second-degree domestic battery, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and was later released on a $5,000 bond.
Scott, who lists no prior felony history, is set to appear on Sept. 1 in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Dec. 22, Scott allegedly went to the Atrium at Serenity Pointe, 2803 Albert Pike Road, and picked up her mother, 80, who was a resident there.
Scott allegedly told her mother she was going to take her to the bank. Her mother reportedly told Scott she would not be allowing Scott to take money out of her account. Scott reportedly became upset at her mother and then "began to drive around aimlessly" for hours with her mother in the vehicle, arguing with her about not being allowed to withdraw funds from her mother's account.
Scott then drove to Sonic, 1510 Albert Pike Road, to get a drink. At that point, Scott's mother reportedly tried to escape the vehicle "as she felt threatened by Scott." Scott allegedly reached across the seat, grabbed her mother's wrists and pulled her back into the vehicle, causing "severe, visible bruising" to both of the victim's wrists.
Scott then allegedly transported her mother to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs where she dropped her off and then left.
During a phone interview with Hot Springs police Detective Tyler Cox, Scott allegedly claimed her mother has dementia and "believes she is out to get her money." She said her mother attempted to get out of the vehicle "as she was confused from dementia" and she was just trying to keep her in the vehicle "for her safety."
Cox went to the Atrium and spoke with several employees who all stated Scott's mother "seemed to be of very sound mind" and that she had not displayed any signs of dementia.
Cox then spoke to Scott's mother and also noted she seemed to be of sound mind and "recounted the original report with accuracy." Based on his investigation, a warrant for Scott's arrest was issued on March 28.