Overview
- State Rep. Austin McCollum was arrested early Saturday on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family member, first-degree false imprisonment and misdemeanor domestic battery, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
- A probable cause affidavit released by the sheriff’s office alleges a violent assault on McCollum’s wife that included punching, head injuries, a slammed hand and restricted breathing, and the affidavit was reported publicly as new details emerged.
- McCollum was released from the Benton County Jail on a $10,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with his wife, to stay 1,500 feet away from her and to avoid their home and her workplace; his next court date is set for September 8.
- Prominent Republicans including the governor, U.S. and state lawmakers have withdrawn endorsements and called for McCollum to resign or drop out of the county judge race while his campaign website and social posts were restricted.
- Under Arkansas law the party has to act at least 76 days before the Nov. 3 election to replace a nominee on the ballot and a felony conviction would bar someone from holding office, creating both an immediate electoral question and a longer-term legal risk.