On 10-29-14 at approximately 7 pm, Baxter County Sheriff's Deputies Robert Recktenwald and Sgt. Doug Meurer were dispatched to 64 Buck or Two Lane in reference to an unwanted person at the residence. The caller stated her son was intoxicated and would not leave.

Upon arrival Deputies made contact with the subject, Gilbert James Ballman,  outside the residence. After speaking with Ballman, Sgt. Meurer contacted his District Court Probation Officer and it was learned that Ballman was in violation of his probation.  Sgt. Meurer was advised to take Ballman into custody on a probation violation.

Ballman was then asked to step to the back of a patrol car and advised he was under arrest for probation violation. Ballman became combative striking Sgt. Meurer in the face with his fist and striking Deputy Recktenwald in the eye before being Tased by Sgt. Meurer with his Taser. Ballman was then handcuffed and transported to the Baxter County Detention Center without further incident.

Gilbert James Ballman, age 29 of Cotter, was charged with Probation Violation, Resisting Arrest, and Battery 2^nd Degree (two counts). Ballman’s bond was set at $25,000 for Resisting Arrest and the two counts of Felony Battery 2^nd on a Police Officer. He is being held without bond on the Probation Violation.

Both Deputies injuries consisted of scrapes and bruises and they did not seek medical attention.

Sheriff John Montgomery