JONESBORO, Ark. — Two men are facing felony charges following a domestic disturbance that escalated into physical violence and knife-related threats, police said.
Officers responded to the incident on Sun Avenue on Sept. 9, according to probable cause affidavits. Witnesses alleged that an argument between Romine Stephen Dale McGowan and Stephan McGowan involved aggressive behavior, threats, and an altercation with a knife.
A household member told police that during the dispute, Stephan McGowan pointed a knife at them in a threatening manner and made death threats. Witnesses further reported seeing him lunge at Romine McGowan with the knife.
The situation reportedly escalated when Stephan McGowan put the knife down. At that point, Romine McGowan allegedly picked it up, jumped on Stephan, and struck him multiple times while holding him down. Witness accounts also indicated that Romine McGowan threatened to kill Stephan during the struggle.
Officers observed injuries on the men that were consistent with the reported events, the affidavits state.
Both Romine and Stephan McGowan have been charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member and first-degree terroristic threatening. Each charge is classified as a Class D felony under Arkansas law.
Bond for both men was set at $1,000 cash or surety. Court records indicate that judges included handwritten recommendations for the two men to undergo evaluations by Mid-South Health Services. Both are scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 26.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty in a court of law.