Dyersburg man appears in court on charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest

State Gazette

David Donnell, 62, Dyersburg, was arraigned in Municipal Court on Friday, July 26, to answer charges alleging that he pointed a rifle at a man during a neighborhood dispute. The Dyersburg Police Department alleged yesterday that Donnell, during an argument over a blocked street area, fired a 35-caliber rifle into the ground.

Assistant District Attorney Laura Clements reported that Donnell is being charged with “two counts of aggravated assault, and one of resisting stop, frisk, halt, or search.”

Municipal Court Judge Dean Dedmon asked the defendant whether he could retain counsel. Donnell answered that he would try. Dedmon said that in the meantime, he would assign to Donnell the Public Defender Martin Howie.

Dedmon said, “You’re not a frequent flyer, meaning I haven’t seen you before in court.” He asked Donnell whether he had ever been charged with a felony, was out on bond, or had any current charges. Donnell replied “No” to all and said, “I am 62 years old and have never been in any trouble.”

Clements requested bond to be set at $5,000, to which Dedmon agreed. He also ordered Donnell no contact with the alleged victims and said that Donnell could not possess a weapon while the case is pending.

Dedmon set the next court appearance for August 26.