Man charged with felony battery after alleged third attack on wife
A Hot Springs man was arrested on a felony battery charge early Sunday after allegedly assaulting his wife because he had two prior convictions for battery involving his wife.
Andre Eugene Slater Sr., 36, was taken into custody shortly after 12:30 a.m. and charged with third-degree domestic battery and violation of a no-contact order, each a felony punishable by up to six years in prison.
Slater was being held on zero bond and was set to appear Monday in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Sunday, shortly before 12:30 a.m., Hot Springs police Officer Jamie Ugartechea responded to a residence on Highland Park Street regarding a battery that had just occurred and spoke to the victim who stated her husband, identified as Slater, had attacked her.
She stated Slater came into her bedroom harassing her and grabbed her. She said he became angry with her and pushed her and then grabbed her by the hair attempting to pull her out of the residence. She said he also tried to pull her out by her feet at one point and when he was unsuccessful he began throwing her clothing into the yard.
Ugartechea noted the victim had several visible red marks on her arm from Slater “attempting to throw her out.”
The victim told the officer Slater had fled out the back door before police arrived. After checking a wooded area behind the house, officers located Slater lying on the ground and took him into custody. A computer check revealed Slater had an active warrant for violating a previously issued court order barring him from contact with the victim.
According to court documents, Slater had previously pleaded no contest on Sept. 21, 2017, to third-degree domestic battery involving his wife. It was agreed that if he completed anger management courses and probation the charge would be withdrawn. On May 17,
2018, the charge was officially withdrawn and the victim asked for the no-contact order to be lifted.
On Oct. 5, 2019, Slater was again arrested for third-degree domestic battery involving his wife and pleaded guilty two days later in district court. He was sentenced to one year in jail, with all but
60 days suspended, and a court order was issued again barring him from contact with his wife.
On Nov. 8, 2019, Slater allegedly violated the court order by again showing up at his wife’s residence and a warrant was issued for his arrest.