JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man is facing an aggravated assault charge after allegedly choking his girlfriend during an argument earlier this week, according to court documents.
Cory Ladelle Taylor was arrested on Sept. 6 following a domestic disturbance at a local apartment, as detailed in a probable cause affidavit filed in Jonesboro District Court. The incident began with an argument over the use of a shower, according to police reports.
Jonesboro police Officer Sam Culp responded to the scene just before 11 a.m. and observed a visibly distressed woman who reported the alleged assault. She told police that during their argument, she had pulled down the shower curtain and rod. Taylor then approached her from behind, placed an arm around her neck in a chokehold, and squeezed, restricting her breathing, she claimed.
The woman said she bit Taylor’s arm to escape, at which point he let her go. While speaking with police, Taylor exited the apartment, and officers observed a handgun grip protruding from his pants pocket. The weapon, a 9mm Glock 45, was secured by Culp.
Taylor told police the dispute arose as he tried to keep a towel away from the woman, which he stated led to her biting him. Officers photographed the bite mark on Taylor’s arm. According to the affidavit, the location and severity of the bite, combined with the sequence of events reported by the woman, were consistent with an act of self-defense during the alleged chokehold. Police concluded that Taylor had applied pressure to the woman’s neck, restricting her breathing.
After his arrest, Taylor was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center. Police completed a domestic violence lethality assessment during their follow-up investigation. The affidavit noted that the woman reported a prior history of domestic violence and expressed concerns for her safety. Officers provided her with information on victim rights, shelter, and other resources.
Taylor has been charged with aggravated assault, a Class D felony that carries a potential sentence of up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. His bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety, with conditions including GPS monitoring and a no-contact order involving the alleged victim.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.