Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – A Blytheville man faces multiple charges after police said he kidnapped and strangled his girlfriend during a fight at a Jonesboro motel.
On Feb. 28, Jonesboro police officers responded to a 911 hang-up call at the Scottish Inns at 3116 Mead Drive. Though dispatch did not have a specific room number, officers located the disturbance by the sound of a man yelling aggressively.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim told police the fight began earlier that evening when her boyfriend, 26-year-old Rashawn Beare, accused her of being with other people. The argument quickly escalated into physical violence. Beare allegedly slammed the woman to the ground, struck her in the face, and choked her until she nearly passed out.
While the victim attempted to run away, Beare reportedly caught her by the arm and forced her back inside. He refused to let her leave and, after she managed to dial 911 and hang up, he took her phone so she could not answer when dispatchers called back.
When officers arrived and knocked, Beare briefly opened the door to claim everything was fine before slamming it shut. Officers eventually forced their way into the room and noticed a closed bathroom door. They opened it and found Beare and the victim.
After officers led the victim to safety, Beare resisted arrest by tensing up and pulling his arms away to avoid being handcuffed. The police report noted the victim suffered a swollen right eye, a busted lip, and pain in her arms and legs.
Beare was taken to the Craighead County Detention Center. Upon arrival, he attempted to escape from the patrol vehicle but was quickly apprehended.
On March 2, Beare appeared before District Judge Tommy Fowler, who found probable cause to charge him with the following:
- First-degree false imprisonment (Class C felony)
- Aggravated assault on a family or household member (Class D felony)
- Third-degree escape (Class A misdemeanor)
- Third-degree domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)
- Resisting arrest (Class B misdemeanor)
- Second-degree interference with emergency communication (Class B misdemeanor)
- Fleeing (Class C misdemeanor)
If convicted, Beare faces up to 18 years in prison and $27,500 in fines. Fowler also issued a no-contact order and set Beare’s bond at $75,000 cash/surety. He is awaiting his next scheduled court appearance on April 23.
