Charges filed against man after violent altercation at Batesville business

Multiple charges were filed on Monday afternoon against a man after a violent altercation at two local businesses last week.

According to the arrest affidavit, Batesville Police responded to reports of an attempted break-in at a business located at 810 N. Central Ave. on March 27 around 1:30 p.m. While en route, authorities received further information that gunshots had been fired at the scene.

Upon arrival, Officer Bobby Glenn and Cpl. Jason Santizo determined that the incident spanned two locations: a tobacco store and the Littlefield Gas Station.

Witnesses stated that Patrick Dean Rew, 28, had engaged in violent behavior, injuring multiple people, including a 76-year-old man, Harold Riggs. Riggs was found inside the gas station, unable to walk, with a bleeding laceration on his left elbow. A 15-year-old juvenile was also assaulted, sustaining minor scratches to his back.

Rew was found on the ground outside the gas station entrance with head injuries. He reportedly told officers that he was “protecting his family” and had smoked K2, a synthetic cannabinoid.

According to the investigation, Rew was initially seen at a laundromat in the same parking lot as Littlefield Gas Station. Witnesses reported that he repeatedly entered and exited the laundromat before attacking the juvenile in front of the gas station. He then went to the tobacco store, breaking a drive-thru window before attempting to force entry through the front doors. Employees inside held the doors shut while calling 911. The damage to the store was estimated at $500.

Rew then returned to the gas station, where he was seen confronting a group of teenagers. Riggs, who had just arrived at the station, exited his truck and was confronted by Rew. When Riggs pushed Rew away, Rew allegedly grabbed him and slammed him to the ground. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Riggs struggling against Rew before firing two shots into the air with his pistol in an attempt to free himself. He then struck Rew with the butt of his firearm.

Riggs was transported to White River Medical Center and later to Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was diagnosed with a broken pelvis and a possible broken hip.

Rew was taken to White River Medical Center for treatment before being released into police custody. Authorities reported finding a clear bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be K2 and a smoking pipe on him. He was booked into the Independence County Jail on the following charges:

• Felonies: First-degree battery and attempted commercial burglary
• Misdemeanors: Third-degree battery and criminal mischief

Rew, who is on parole for previous felony convictions, is being held on a $150,000 bond.

Authorities confirmed that surveillance footage from the gas station captured the entire incident and has been included in the case file.

Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Department