Argument escalates to battery charge

An argument between co-workers at a local business Monday escalated into a fight that resulted in one of them being cut in the back of the head and the other taken into custody on a felony battery charge, according to an El Dorado police report.

Johnny R. Davis, 54, of 1208 Lillian Drive, was arrested for second-degree battery.

Davis allegedly cut 33-year-old Joseph C. Slater, also of El Dorado, in the back of the head after the pair began arguing while working at Mac’s Tree Service, 1405 W. 19th St.

Police responded to Medical Center of South Arkansas in reference to the incident and spoke with Slater, who was undergoing treatment.

The police report did not indicate that he was seriously injured.

Slater told officers that “another employee” at Mac’s, Davis, directed disparaging remarks toward him, and an argument ensued.

Slater said he began walking toward a work truck, and when Davis continued making rude remarks, he turned toward Davis and told him to stop.

He said Davis approached him and purposely bumped into his chest, and he pushed Davis away.

Slater said that when he turned to walk away again, he “felt an impact on the back of his head.”

He then felt the back of his head and saw blood on his hand.

Slater said Davis then drove away in his own work vehicle.

A witness corroborated Slater’s account of the incident, telling police that he saw Davis strike Slater with a pocketknife.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident,

noting that surveillance video showed Slater as the aggressor.

While reviewing the video, investigators said they saw Davis walk away from Slater, who was quickly walking toward Davis.

Police said Davis turned around and Slater shoved him, causing Davis to fall over a work trailer.

Davis regained his balance and lunged at Slater, delivering an overhand strike that landed on the back of Slater’s head.

Police said the strike appeared to have caused the laceration to Slater’s head.

They said Slater then stepped away, turned and began running

toward his vehicle while holding the back of his head.

Slater ran out of camera range as Davis jumped into the bed of his work truck before getting inside the truck and driving away, police said.

They said Slater then reappeared within camera range, holding what appeared to be a handgun in his right hand.

Investigators said Slater neither raised the firearm nor pointed it at anyone.

Following an interview with detectives, Davis was released on a citation to appear in 35th Judicial District Court on Aug. 14.