A Walnut Ridge man has been arrested in connection with a violent altercation behind a local restaurant and subsequent charges of endangering children.
According to a statement from the Walnut Ridge Police Department, officers responded to a reported physical altercation in an alley behind Main Street Pizza on September 12 at approximately 2:06 a.m. As officers were en route, a subject believed to be involved fled the scene on a bicycle. Police later identified the individual as Emani Toussaint, who reportedly evaded capture during the initial pursuit.
Further investigation revealed that Toussaint was allegedly involved in an attack on an adult male. The victim, later treated at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, suffered significant injuries, including facial fractures. According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim reported being grabbed from behind and placed in a chokehold before being repeatedly struck in the face.
Video evidence obtained from the area supported the victim's account, authorities said. Footage showed Toussaint initiating the attack by putting the victim in a chokehold. The video later revealed the victim on the ground being kicked by Toussaint before the suspect fled on his bicycle.
Investigators also discovered that at the time of the attack, Toussaint was responsible for supervising four young children, ranging in age from four months to under six years, at a residence on Northeast 2nd Street. The children were reportedly left unattended while the incident occurred.
Toussaint was apprehended by Walnut Ridge Police on September 15 and taken into custody at the Lawrence County Detention Center. He is facing charges that include fleeing, aggravated assault, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor—one for each child left unattended.
He remains detained while awaiting a bond hearing and a court date.