A Mountain Home man has been arrested after fleeing from officers, then hitting one of them with a rock he threw. The incident leading to the arrest of 38-year-old Jeffery Racaniello Jr. happened shortly after 5:30 Sunday morning in Gassville.
According to a report from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to assist a Gassville officer who was in a foot pursuit with Racaniello behind the Brass Door Motel. Racaniello was armed with a large rock.
When the first deputy arrived, Racaniello was on the sidewalk in front of the business yelling. The suspect ran across the highway and yelled for the deputy to leave him alone. Racaniello then threw the rock at a deputy, striking him in the leg.
Racaniello then stumbled into the highway. The deputy yelled to alert him of an oncoming truck and Racaniello jumped back onto the sidewalk, narrowly missing getting hit.
Officers were able to take Racaniello into custody after another short pursuit. Law enforcement said he appeared to be under the influence and not making much sense when he was talking.
Racaniello is facing felony charges of aggravated assault and battery on a police officer and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, fleeing on foot and disorderly conduct. His bond is set at $10,500.
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