Two men charged in domestic altercation in Townsend
By Iva Butlerof The Daily Times Staff
Originally published: October 06. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: October 06. 2009 12:31AM
Two men, who are current or former boyfriends of a Townsend woman, were charged after an altercation involving several people early Friday in Townsend.
According to the Blount County Sheriff's Office report, Townsend Officer Tony Rayburn and a Blount County deputy responded to a call about a fight among several individuals.
As Rayburn was driving to the scene at the home of Brandy N. Burrell, 20, Carrs Creek Road, Townsend, he encountered Rikki Dean Abla, 19, Carnes Road, Townsend, walking on Lovers Lane. Rayburn took Abla into custody, put him in the back of the cruiser and continued to the incident scene.
The Blount County deputy arrived shortly afterwards.
Burrell reported Abla came to her residence, accompanied by Robert Doyle Haynes IV, 18, Boat Gunnel Road, Townsend. According to the police report, Abla allegedly asked if anyone at the residence wanted to fight and then grabbed Burrell, slammed her to the ground and proceeded to strike her in the face with his fist. Officers observed the entire left side of Burrell's face was red, and she was having hearing difficulties. Rural/Metro Ambulance Service was called and took Burrell to Blount Memorial Hospital.
Officers learned the incident had apparently started earlier in Walland. The 17-year-old Townsend sister of Burrell, who is the ex-girlfriend of Haynes, and her current boyfriend, Ryan D. Craig. 20, were on the way to her home.
They encountered another vehicle in the Walland area driven by ex-boyfriend Haynes in which Abla was a passenger. The young couple were reportedly driving away when Haynes and Abla followed them, and Haynes allegedly tried to ram their vehicle and run it off the road.
The young couple attempted to find a Townsend officer, but were unsuccessful. They fled to the home of her sister, Burrell, the report said.
Haynes and Abla followed them to the residence and began the physical confrontation, the report said.
Cruiser damaged
While Abla was handcuffed in the back of the Townsend cruiser, he became agitated and began striking the car window with his head, the report said.
Officers warned Abla to stop hitting the window, and he then hit the back window with his feet several times that shattered the window and damaged the door frame.
In an attempt to bring Abla under control, the Blount County deputy delivered one second of pepper mace to his forehead area. Abla was then taken under control and placed in the Blount County patrol unit.
Officers did not know of Haynes' involvement at this time, and he was released.
After further investigation, they discovered Haynes was the driver of the vehicle that allegedly attempted to ram the vehicle of Craig and his ex-girlfriend.
A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was later charged with two counts of reckless endangerment. He is free on bonds totaling $15,000 pending a 9 a.m. Friday hearing in Blount County General Sessions Court.
Abla was charged with simple assault, unlawful consumption and felony vandalism more than $1,000. He was being held in lieu of bonds totaling $13,000 bond pending a 9 a.m. Friday hearing in Blount County General Sessions Court.
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