Suspect arrested after allegedly attacking fiancee, fighting with authorities
A local man was arrested Thursday morning on multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a woman in front of a Hot Springs police officer and then fighting with officers trying to take him into custody.
Michael Justin Belt, 28, who lists a Malvern Avenue address, was taken into custody shortly after 11:30 a.m. in the 200 block of Broadway Street and charged with a felony count of second-degree battery, punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of second-degree assault on a family or household member and resisting arrest, each punishable up to one year in jail.
He was later released on $4,250 bond and is set to appear Nov. 30 in Garland County District Court.
According to the affidavit, HSPD Detective May saw Belt and a female, later identified as Belt’s fiancee, arguing in the 400 block of Malvern Avenue. Belt allegedly slapped the female in the face and she started to run. When he caught up to her, Belt slapped her in the face again.
Belt was ordered to get down on his knees and he asked if he was being taken to jail. May informed him he was being detained and he began resisting arrest. He came to his feet and started to walk toward May.
May drew his weapon, ordering him to stop walking toward him and to get on the ground. Belt reportedly yelled, “Shoot me.” After a second struggle, Belt started to walk away with May following him. He turned back around and charged at May yelling once again “shoot me.”
Officer Scrimshire arrived at the scene and Belt was forced to the ground. Belt allegedly punched May in the jaw during a struggle. Belt was able to grab May’s pen and held it as if he was going to stab the officers. Officer Riley arrived during the third struggle and assisted in finally taking Belt into custody.