Authorities have arrested a Salem man on multiple charges, including felony false imprisonment and aggravated assault, following allegations he assaulted a woman and prevented her from leaving his residence.
According to documents and law enforcement reports, the woman had been staying at the home of 42-year-old Brent Belau in rural Salem. When she attempted to leave, Belau allegedly stopped her and placed her in a chokehold. After a struggle, the woman was allowed to leave only after she promised to behave, according to the reports.
The incident reportedly escalated the following day when the victim tried to leave again while Belau was asleep. As he woke, Belau allegedly placed her in another chokehold and punched her in the nose. The victim managed to escape the home, but Belau is said to have followed her outside.
Belau now faces charges of first-degree false imprisonment with risk of serious injury, a class B felony, and aggravated assault, a class D felony. He is also charged with misdemeanor third-degree battery. Court records indicate that Belau was released from custody after posting a $25,000 bond.
First-degree false imprisonment, under Arkansas law, is a serious offense that carries the possibility of heavy penalties due to the associated risk of harm. Aggravated assault charges often involve allegations of conduct that creates a substantial danger or the threat of serious bodily injury.
As of now, no additional details about the relationship between Belau and the victim, or the circumstances leading up to the incidents, have been released. The case remains under investigation.