Searcy County authorities responded to what was reported as a “road rage” incident last Thursday over multiple counties leading to a Baxter County man being arrested on domestic battery and drug-related charges.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the original information indicated two vehicles were involved in the road rage incident beginning in Van Buren County and crossing into Searcy County. The information also indicated the driver of one of the two vehicles, later identified as 29-year-old Gary Goldman of Gassville, had displayed a handgun to the second driver.
The incident began on U.S. Highway 65 and moved onto Arkansas Highways 27 and 14.
Deputies encountered Goldman’s vehicle, as he reportedly turned onto Highway 14 toward Big Flat and immediately stopped at Crockett’s Canoe Rental.
Goldman’s observed fidgeting and “unnecessary movements” concerned the officers because he had reportedly been wielding a weapon at the second driver. A female passenger was also observed in his vehicle.
Goldman told the deputies a handgun was located in the cargo pocket of the driver’s door, where a .380 caliber weapon was found with an empty chamber. The weapon contained a magazine loaded with two live rounds. A second magazine with two additional live rounds was located in a handgun bag.
The female passenger allegedly told officers Goldman did remove the handgun and place it in his left hand during the “road incident.”
Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell arrived on the scene, and Goldman was taken into custody.
Further contact with the female passenger revealed red marks on her left cheek and what appeared to be a knot on the right side of her temple. As she exited the vehicle, officers detected a noticeable limp, as the woman favored her left leg.
During an interview at the sheriff’s office, the victim reportedly said during the travel from county to county on Highway 65, Goldman would consistently strike her in and about the head, as well as violently in the left leg. When asked what happened to her hand and fingers, the woman said Goldman had bitten her. She alleged their argument resulted over her pregnancy.
When Goldman was being processed at the jail, officers reported finding marijuana and a smoking device.
The Baxter County man has been charged with felony counts of third-degree domestic battery and furnishing, possessing or using prohibited articles, as well as misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $10,000.
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