Corning Man Charged in Alleged Beating Near Arkansas State University

A Corning man has been charged with second-degree battery after an early morning altercation near Arkansas State University left another man unconscious and in a medically induced coma, according to authorities.

Craighead County District Judge David Boling on Monday found probable cause to charge Peyton Edward Cartwright, 19, following the Oct. 31 incident near Arkansas Hall on the A-State campus, located at 2509 Aggie Road.

Around 1 a.m., Arkansas State University police officer Braxton Morefield came upon the scene while on patrol and found a man lying on the ground unconscious and bleeding from the mouth. Two other men were near the victim, according to the probable cause affidavit.

A bystander told police that Cartwright had been involved in an altercation with the victim and struck him, rendering him unconscious. Cartwright then fled the scene on foot, the affidavit stated.

Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to the St. Bernards Medical Center emergency room in Jonesboro. Medical examinations revealed the victim suffered four intracranial hemorrhages. As of Monday, the victim remained hospitalized in critical condition, on a ventilator, and in a medically induced coma, authorities said.

University police contacted Cartwright and requested that he come to the department to answer questions. According to the affidavit, Cartwright told officers he had been informed by a female acquaintance that the victim had struck her cousin in the face. Cartwright stated that he left a campus party to find the victim, who he confronted outside Arkansas Hall. He later declined to answer further questions during the interview.

Officers noted injuries on Cartwright’s hands consistent with having been in a physical altercation. He was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree battery, a Class D felony in Arkansas.

Cartwright is being held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond. If released, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and will be prohibited from contacting the victim. A court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16.