A Hot Springs man was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges Monday morning after allegedly attacking his fiancee and threatening her with a bow and arrow.
Robert Brett Taunton, 53, of 279 Peninsula Drive, was taken into custody at his residence shortly before 9:30 a.m. and charged with a felony count of aggravated assault on a family or household member, punishable by up to six years in prison, and a misdemeanor count of third-degree domestic battery, punishable by up to one year in jail.
Taunton, who lists no prior felony history, was being held on a zero bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Hot Springs police Officer Cristian Rios responded to the residence regarding an emergency and while en route was told by dispatchers they were on an open line with a female who was yelling at another person, telling them "to stop hitting her." The other person also reportedly had a firearm.
Officers arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter around the house. A male, later identified as Taunton, ran out of the back of the house where he was apprehended and taken into custody.
The woman stated Taunton was her fiance and has been living at that residence for about four years. She said she told Taunton to "stop smoking" and if he didn't she was going to leave.
She said as she was attempting to leave, Taunton "began to get aggressive." She said he first began to shove her "all around the house," and then grabbed her by the neck with both hands "attempting to choke her."
She said he also began to punch her in the face while still trying to choke her. She was able to get free and alleges Taunton then grabbed a bow, put an arrow in it, pointed it at her and told her "he was going to shoot her with it."
She said Taunton also had a revolver "in his proximity" and pointed it at his head and stated he was going to kill himself.
Officers noted the woman had injuries on her left ankle, her back, lower chest and her neck. Taunton was taken to the Garland County Detention Center where he was booked in around 12:15 p.m. Monday.