A Jonesboro man faces kidnapping and theft charges after authorities say he assaulted his girlfriend, struck her with a vehicle, and forcibly confined her.
On Oct. 29, Jonesboro police responded to a domestic disturbance call on Kathleen Drive. According to the victim, Jaylen Keshune Scales, 23, came to her apartment to retrieve personal belongings following an earlier argument. She told officers that Scales forced his way inside and physically assaulted her, slamming her head against a wall, slapping her, and choking her while accusing her of infidelity.
Police documents indicate that Scales allegedly took the victim’s cell phone, iPad, house keys, and vehicle keys, with the items valued at approximately $1,900.
The victim said she fled the apartment on foot and was walking along Kathleen Drive when Scales followed her in his vehicle. She told police he struck her at a low speed, causing her to fall onto the hood. Scales then reportedly exited the vehicle, grabbed her, and forced her into the car. The victim said Scales told her he didn’t care if he went to jail.
The incident escalated when Scales drove the vehicle down a gravel road near a construction site, according to the report. The victim stated that Scales tried to force her out of the vehicle while she resisted by holding on to the interior. Once outside the vehicle, she grabbed a windshield wiper in an attempt to free herself but broke it off in the process. Scales then allegedly used the detached wiper blade to strike her before dragging her across the gravel road and throwing her onto the rocks, causing additional injuries.
Officers later documented visible injuries on the victim consistent with her account. They located Scales sitting in his vehicle, which matched the description given by the victim. According to police, Scales refused to exit the car, requiring officers to use force to take him into custody.
On Friday, Craighead County District Court Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to charge Scales with kidnapping, theft of property, third-degree domestic battery, interference with emergency communication, and resisting arrest. Scales is being held on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 16.