Alleged vandal arrested after fighting with deputies
A Hot Springs Village man was charged with multiple misdemeanor counts late Wednesday after he allegedly pulled a water pump off a swimming pool while intoxicated, and fought with Garland County sheriff’s deputies attempting to arrest him.
Gale Linn Black, 63, who lists a Re-splendor Way address, was taken into custody just after 10:30 p.m. and charged with first-degree criminal mischief and resisting arrest, each punishable by up to one year in jail, as well as criminal trespass, public intoxication and disor--
derly conduct.
He remained in custody Thursday in lieu of bonds totaling $3,500 and is set to appear in Garland County District Court on Aug. 15.
According to the affidavit, deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 3100 block of Park Avenue regarding a call about a known suspect who was reportedly tearing the pump off a swimming pool.
Upon their arrival, Deputy Elwood McConnell found the suspect, later identified as Black, reportedly hiding beside a shed on the property.
Black allegedly refused to place his hands behind his back, and two deputies “struggled with (him) in order to get his arms behind his back.” While deputies were attempting to restrain him, Black spat toward McConnell.
After a brief struggle, they were able to detain him and escort him to the patrol unit. Once they reached the unit, Black refused to get in, so the deputies had to place him in the unit by grabbing his legs and sliding him in.
The female caller spoke with Deputy Aaron Bowerman and stated Black knew he was not welcome on the property, but refused to stay away. She reportedly confirmed it was Black who pulled the water pump off her swimming pool, and said he tried to hide when her neighbors saw him.