Bentonville man accused of raping 3-year-old girl

BENTONVILLE — A Bentonville man was arrested Friday in connection with raping a 3-year-old girl.

Tristan Nathaniel Tiarks, 33, was being held Sunday in the Benton County Jail with a $500,000 bond set. He was arrested in connection with aggravated assault on a family or household member, battery in the second degree and rape.

Bentonville police arrested Tiarks after searching his home, according to a probable cause affidavit.

A nurse at the Mercy Medical Hospital Emergency Center in Bella Vista reported to police Friday morning the girl was brought there with injuries from a suspected sexual assault, according to the affidavit.

The girl was later interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County where she said Tiarks had wrapped a green towel around her neck which made her not able to breathe, according to the affidavit.

The girl’s medical examination revealed linear marks around her that indicated she had been strangled, the affidavit states. An examination also found evidence associated with sexual assault/abuse, according to the affidavit.

The girl’s mother told police she had left her daughter with Tiarks for about 45 minutes while she went to the store, according to the affidavit.

Tiarks’ arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. Feb. 19 in Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green’s courtroom.

Tiarks was ordered not to have any contact with the girl or her family members.