Springdale police seek suspect in domestic assault

Woman said he beat her and held her against her will

SPRINGDALE -- Police were looking for a man Monday who a woman said held her at gunpoint and beat her.

The woman told police she and Jonathan Butler, 31, of 2106 Oak Moore St. had been arguing Sunday evening, according to a preliminary arrest record.

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She tried to pack her belongings and leave, but Butler grabbed her around the neck. She told police she wasn't able to breathe or see, according to the report. Butler threw her, punched her, grabbed her hair and hit her head against the bed, according to the report. When she tried to call for help, he grabbed and smashed the phone, according to the report.

She told police he held a loaded gun to her head and threatened to kill her and himself, according to the report.

She tried to escape and Butler caught her in front of a neighbor's house. He grabbed her arm and dragged her back to the house and held her against her will for more than an hour, according to the report.

The woman told police she distracted Butler, climbed out the window and went to a neighbor's house to call 911, according to the report.

The Springdale Police Department sent a SWAT team to the house, but Butler wasn't there, Lt. Derek Hudson, public information officer, said. Police received a call Monday morning from neighbors who thought Butler was back, but police didn't find anyone upon their arrival.

Butler is wanted in connection with aggravated assault, kidnapping, interfering with emergency communication and domestic battery.

Butler was arrested last year in connection with felony aggravated assault on a family or household member and misdemeanor domestic battery, according to the Washington County Prosecutor's Office. No charges were filed because the victim decided not to cooperate.

Butler pleaded guilty in 2012 to a reckless burning felony and was sentenced to three years at the Arkansas Department of Correction, according to the prosecutor. Butler set fire to a building adjacent to the offices of radio station KXNA, 104.9 FM, The X.

Butler pleaded guilty in 2007 to criminal mischief and aggravated assault felonies. He was sentenced to six years at the Department of Correction.

Butler is 5 feet 11 inches, about 175 pounds and has brown eyes, according to the report. Police hadn't found him by 4 p.m. Monday.

Butler is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, Hudson said.

NW News on 02/03/2015

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