Law enforcement announced multiple charges filed on Monday afternoon against a man involved in a violent altercation at two local businesses.
Batesville Police responded to reports of an attempted break-in at a business at 810 N. Central Ave. on March 27th around 1:30 p.m. While en route, authorities received additional information that gunshots had been fired at the scene.
Officers arrived and determined that the incident spanned two locations, a tobacco store and the Littlefield Gas Station.
Patrick Dean Rew, 28, was witnessed engaging in violent behavior, injuring multiple people, including a 76-year-old man found inside the gas station, unable to walk, with a laceration on his left elbow. Also a 15-year-old juvenile was assaulted, sustaining minor injuries.
Rew was found outside the gas station entrance where he reportedly told officers that he was “protecting his family” and admitting he had smoked K2, a synthetic cannabinoid.
Rew was initially seen at a laundromat in the same parking lot as Littlefield Gas Station where witnesses stated he repeatedly entered and exited the laundromat before attacking the juvenile in front of the gas station.
Rew then allegedly went to the tobacco store, breaking a drive-thru window before attempting to force entry through the front doors while employees inside attempted to hold the doors shut while calling 911.
Rew returned to the gas station, where he was seen confronting a group of teenagers.
Affidavits say one victim, who had just arrived at the station was confronted by Rew.
When the victim pushed the suspect away Rew (suspect) allegedly grabbed the victim and slammed him to the ground.
Surveillance footage from the business showed the victim struggling against Rew before producing a weapon and firing two shots into the air with his pistol in an attempt to free himself. The victim then struck Rew with the butt of his firearm. Rew was found by authorities with a head injury.
The victim was transported to White River Medical Center and later to Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock where he was diagnosed with a broken pelvis and a possible broken hip.
Rew was taken into custody, then taken to White River Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities discovered a clear bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be K2 and a smoking pipe.
Rew was booked into the Independence County Jail on charges of:
Felonies: First-degree battery and attempted commercial burglary
Misdemeanors: Third-degree battery and criminal mischief
Rew is on parole for previous felony convictions, is being held on a $150,000 bond.
Authorities say the surveillance footage from the gas station captured the entire incident.