Gary Dean Braxton of Talladega was being held on a $1,000 bond for domestic violence in the third degree Thursday afternoon, according to Police Chief Alan Watson. Bond had not been set on the felony assault charge as of Thursday.
Braxton and his wife initially got into an altercation at their residence on Pinehurst Drive, Watson said. The wife was attempting to leave, and Braxton allegedly assaulted her. She fled to another house on Lane Street, where she called police.
Braxton drove up to the house on Long Street while his wife was giving her statement to police. When an officer approached him to place him under arrest for domestic violence, Braxton allegedly punched him in the face with a closed fist. The officer threatened him with a Taser, and Braxton became compliant before he had to make good on the threat, Watson said.
Assaulting a police officer or other law enforcement or emergency responder in order to prevent them from carrying out their duty automatically elevated the charge to assault in the second degree.
Assault in the second degree is a Class C felony in Alabama, punishable upon conviction by one year and one day to 10 years in prison.
Contact Chris Norwood at cnorwood@dailyhome.com
