A Lead Hill man was arrested following a domestic incident that involved ransacking his home, threatening his wife, and pursuing her down a roadway on their son’s bicycle.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Justin Gem Jenkins faces five charges, including two felonies, after the incident reported on Monday. A probable cause affidavit states the events began in the couple’s rural Lead Hill home, where Jenkins allegedly confronted his wife while she was working in her home office.
The victim told investigators that Jenkins entered the office making suicidal statements and declaring he wanted a divorce. She reported that Jenkins then destroyed her computer and monitors, overturned a refrigerator, and tried to take her phone. He allegedly threatened her, demanded money, and stated she could not leave the house without complying with his demands. He also reportedly threatened violence against her family, including making statements about harming her parents.
The victim managed to leave the home with her work phone and called 911. She began walking along Arkansas State Highway 14 as Jenkins pursued her on a bicycle borrowed from their son, according to authorities. A passerby eventually picked the victim up and drove her to safety. Jenkins was later located after abandoning the bicycle and returning to the home.
Marion County deputies arrived to find the house in disarray, with the refrigerator on its side, a broken window, an overturned chair, and scattered belongings. Jenkins was discovered in bed and taken into custody. A sheriff’s office employee later corroborated part of the victim’s account, saying they had observed her walking along the highway and Jenkins following her on the bicycle.
Jenkins faces felony charges of terroristic threatening and first-degree criminal mischief. He is also charged with three misdemeanors: second-degree false imprisonment, harassment, and second-degree assault. He has since been released after posting a $25,000 bond.