A local woman was arrested on multiple charges, including felony battery, after allegedly causing a disturbance Monday and then fighting with Hot Springs police who responded, reportedly kicking one officer in the face.
Cortney Stewart, 57, of 101 Judy Court, was taken into custody at her residence shortly after 4:30 p.m. and charged with a felony count of second-degree battery, punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, second-degree criminal mischief, public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
Stewart, who lists no prior criminal history, appeared Wednesday via video in Garland County District Court and pleaded not guilty to all the charges with a felony review hearing set for June 7. Her bond was initially set at $5,250, but was reduced to $2,500 at the hearing. She remained in custody as of Friday.
According to the probable cause affidavit, around 4:30 p.m. Monday, HSPD Officer Ryan Hanley was dispatched to the Judy Court residence regarding a disturbance in progress.
Hanley said he heard a woman, later identified as Stewart, "screaming and causing an alarm" between the residences at 101 and 103 Judy Court. He made contact with Stewart and the people who called to complain and noted Stewart was "being extremely loud" and was in "an aggressive stance" confronting the complainants.
Hanley also noted Stewart had large lacerations to both her arms that were actively bleeding, "covering both of her hands with a huge amount of blood." While speaking to her, he noted Stewart showed multiple signs of being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
He asked Stewart to sit on the ground so he could assess her injuries, but she refused and allegedly ignored multiple commands before walking into her residence. "Due to Stewart's disorderly actions outside and her impairment causing her to be a danger to herself and her neighbors," Hanley attempted to take her into custody.
Stewart allegedly responded by striking Hanley in the face "with her blood-covered hand." Stewart was taken to the ground where she continued to resist before being placed in hand restraints. He attempted to stand her up at that point and she allegedly kicked Hanley on the right side of his face.
Other officers arrived on the scene and LifeNet was requested because of her injuries. After Stewart was in custody, Hanley noticed he had "a large amount" of her blood on his face, arms and uniform. He also noted his radio earpiece and shirt were damaged during the altercation, with damages estimated at $120.
Hanley also discovered he had visible injuries to the left side of his nose and neck, including a 3-inch scratch on his nose.
While officers were searching Stewart, it was noted she had "bloodshot, watery eyes," was unsteady on her feet, and was exhibiting "major mood swings." She also reportedly had a strong odor of intoxicants coming from her breath and person.
LifeNet arrived to treat Stewart and transported her to CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs for further evaluation. While at the hospital, Stewart allegedly made a spontaneous statement she had "a whole fifth of whiskey" prior to Hanley's arrival.
Stewart was treated at the hospital and later released and was booked into the detention center shortly before 10 p.m. Monday.