Austin Wayne Monk
A domestic dispute that included shots fired has led to aggravated assault charges against a 24-year-old Mountain Home man.
Austin Wayne Monk was arrested July 17 after the incident at a mobile home park in Gamaliel. He is charged with aggravated assault and was released on a $5,000 bond.
According to an incident report from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, reports were received of a physical domestic disturbance with gun shots at approximately 12:30. Deputies arrived on scene to find two men running from the residence, who were initially detained.
The men were identified as the victim and a witness to the event. The men told authorities the suspect ran up the hill to another mobile home.
During questioning, the victim stated he had been staying at the scene with friends after a recent breakup, with the former girlfriend now dating Monk and living a few mobile homes away.
Monk allegedly appeared at the mobile home, approached the victim in his bedroom and brandished a 9 millimeter pistol and said, “You know its loaded, right?” The victim attempted to disarm Monk, with a fight ensuing. The handgun discharged during the scuffle, firing a projectile through the couch.
The victim was able to remove the magazine from the gun as the scuffle began and Monk allegedly fled the scene. During the investigation, officers recovered the bullet from the floor of the mobile home, a shell casing provided by the victim and the weapon was recovered after Monk allegedly to authorities.
When interviewed, Monk’s girlfriend told a different story. The girlfriend allegedly said the male witness came to the mobile home reporting the victim had hurt him and he needed help to protect himself. Monk then grabbed a handgun for “self defense” and returned back down the hill. The woman claims the victim drew his gun first, with Monk drawing his weapon in self defense.
Authorities say further investigation had the male witness telling a different story and the victim admitting he had a weapon, but it was not involved in any way. Further interviews were conducted with Monk, the male witness and the victim at the Sheriff’s Office, resulting in the charges against Monk.
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