Parolee allegedly attacks parole officer, faces multiple charges
A local parolee was arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges Wednesday after allegedly attacking his parole officer during a scheduled visit at the parole office.
David Dale Laster, 21, who lists a Blacksnake Road address, was taken into custody by Arkansas Community Corrections Special Response Team
Agent Brandon Emerson around
10:45 a.m. and charged with felony counts of second-degree escape, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and second-degree battery, punishable by up to six years.
He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of first-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest and first-degree terroristic threatening, each punishable by up to one year in jail. Laster remained in custody Thursday in lieu of bonds totaling $13,000 and is set to appear July 29 in Garland County District Court.
According to the affidavit, on Tuesday, Laster had reported to the parole office at 615 East Grand Ave. and met with his parole officer, ACC Agent John Weaver. He was taken into custody on a parole violation, handcuffed and directed to sit down to await transport to the detention center.
Laster allegedly jumped out of the chair and ran down the hallway. Weaver chased after him, ordering him to stop, but he continued to run and broke through a back door of the office. He continued to run until he collided with a door he was unable to break, although he damaged the door.
At that point, Laster reportedly turned and charged at Weaver. who noted he had removed one of his handcuffs with the other dangling from his left wrist. Weaver administered a burst of pepper spray toward Laster, who attempted to push Weaver to the floor, knocking his glasses off and scratching his face.
Weaver grabbed the handcuffs and a struggle ensued as Laster continued to fight, swinging his fist toward Weaver. Laster pushed toward the front entry of the building, down the main hallway outside the parole office. Both men fell to the floor as Laster continued to fight.
Weaver finally backed Laster into the wall and was able to get hold of the handcuff and “administered a strike” to Laster’s face. Laster stumbled and Weaver pulled his weapon at that point and ordered Laster to lie face down on the floor and he complied.
Other parole and probation officers arrived and assisted in getting Laster handcuffed again and under control. At one point, Laster allegedly told Weaver, “I will get out shortly and will come and find you,” in a threatening manner.
Laster continued to make threats as Hot Springs police escorted him to a waiting unit and took him to jail.
Emerson said he and the ACC special response team were called in the next day to take Laster into custody “due to the seriousness of the event.” He noted this was the second time Laster has fought with officers.