A particular person accused of using bear spray on people in July at Davenport’s Skatepark then threatening them with a machete was in custody Tuesday after being arrested on a warrant.
Scott County authorities allege Eldon Caruthers Jr., 31, Davenport, with out provocation, sprayed the animal repellent at A gaggle Of people at about 7:37 p.m. on July 5 Inside the park’s Parking lot, 905 W. River Drive. A quantity of people suffered ache and irritation from the spray.
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Bear spray is designed as a non-lethal Method of stopping a bear assault by hampering a bear’s capability to breath or use its senses, Based mostly on the Nationwide Park Service.
After using the bear spray, Caruthers pulled a machete out of a backpack and pointed it at people, Based mostly on courtroom data. He informed them they have been going to die and referred to as them derogatory names.
Caruthers allegedly nonetheless had the machete in his hand when officers arrived, courtroom data state.
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As a Outcome of Of these allegations, Caruthers was charged with three relys of assault whereas displaying a dangerous weapon, courtroom data state.
He had his preliminary courtroom look on July 6, however Did not seem For An further look scheduled for Aug. 18, courtroom data state. District Affiliate Decide Christine Dalton ordered an arrest warrant that day.
Caruthers was arrested about 4:51 p.m. on Sunday after Cops have been despatched to the skate park To evaluation a report of A particular person carrying a knife whereas inflicting a disturbance.
When the police arrived, completely different people On the park allegedly Recognized Caruthers As a Outcome of the One which triggered the disturbance, courtroom data state. Caruthers was strolling in the direction of An in depth-by gasoline station.
As the investigation continued, officers found of the failure To seem warrant and that Caruthers was banned from the park For all times on July 5, Based mostly on courtroom data.
Officers searched Caruthers and allegedly found two pipes, one glass, The completely different metallic, courtroom data state. A odor of burnt marijuana acquired here from each, and the glass pipe furtherly had suspected marijuana residue in it.
The narrative Inside the courtroom doc Did not say something A few knife being found on Caruthers On the time of his arrest on Sunday or one completely differentwise being recovered By way of the investigation.
He was charged with two relys of possession of drug paraphernalia and pleaded responsible to each costs all through his Monday first look as An factor of a voluntary or neacquirediated plea, courtroom data state. Scott County Magistrate Catherine Cartee fined Caruthers $105 on every rely.
Caruthers was nonetheless in custody Tuesday, Based mostly on courtroom data and the Scott County Jail. His bond is $6,000 money solely.
His subsequent courtroom look is scheduled for Thursday, courtroom data state.
Photographs: Col. Davenport House on the Rock Island Arsenal
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