JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man has been charged with two felony counts of second-degree domestic battering after police alleged he struck two children, including one with an extension cord, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Teion Bartholomew Pruitt, 20, was arrested on Nov. 8 after officers responded to an apartment on Melrose Street. Police were called to the location following a report of loud crying and the sound of a child being struck repeatedly for approximately 20 minutes.
When officers arrived, they observed injuries on a 9-year-old and a 4-year-old. Police said the 9-year-old had wounds on his side and stomach that were consistent with being hit by a folded cord, with some injuries severe enough to break the skin. The affidavit states a loop-shaped welt was visible on the younger child. Photographs of the children’s injuries were taken at the scene.
In an interview, the 9-year-old reportedly identified Pruitt as the person who struck him. The affidavit states that Pruitt initially claimed the injuries were caused by a dog.
Pruitt appeared in court on Nov. 9 before District Judge Tommy Fowler, who set a secured bond and issued a no-contact order as a condition of Pruitt's release. The judge also appointed a public defender to represent Pruitt.
Pruitt is scheduled to appear in Craighead County Circuit Court on Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Both charges Pruitt faces are classified as Class B felonies, which carry significant potential penalties under Arkansas law. Authorities have not released further details regarding the children’s current condition. All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.