BENTONVILLE — A former Centerton City Council member pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in connection with the assault of another ex-council member.
Randy Wade Thomas is charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member and terroristic threatening, both Class D felonies. He is also charged with domestic battering in the third degree and interfering with emergency communications, both Class A misdemeanors.
Thomas pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment before Circuit Judge David Clinger on Monday.
Thomas was arrested Sept. 28. He was on the council at that time.
The charges involve an incident involving Patricia Thornhill, who also was serving on the council.
According to court documents, the aggravated assault charge accuses Thomas of pointing a gun at Thornhill. The other felony charge claims Thomas threatened to kill or injure Thornhill.
The misdemeanor charges relate to accusations Thomas injured Thornhill and took a telephone away from her to prevent her from calling police.
Thomas and Thornhill resigned their council seats days after the arrest.
An omnibus hearing is slated for 8:30 a.m. March 3.
Thomas was released from the Benton County Jail on Sept. 29 after posting a $3,000 bond.