SPRINGDALE (KFSM) -- A homeless couple is accused of ramming a Springdale police officer and pinning him between two vehicles while trying to flee an arrest, according to a preliminary arrest report.
Aaron Wellesley, 34, and Ashley Wellesley, 29, were arrested Friday (Aug. 25) in connection with first-degree battery, aggravated assault on a police officer, first-degree criminal mischief and fleeing -- all felonies.
The couple also faces misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest.
Police responded about 6 p.m. Friday to a call for two possibly intoxicated people at the Pilot Gas Station on Sunset Avenue in Springdale.
While officer Edgar Hernandez gathered information from Aaron Wellesley at the driver's side window, Wellesley suddenly accelerated. Hernandez dove into the vehicle, but Wellesley turned sharply and crashed into an RV parked nearby, pinning Hernandez between the two vehicles, according to the report.
Another officer at the scene unholstered his weapon and chased after the vehicle. Aaron Wellesley continued to turn the the steering wheel while the other officer tried to remove him from the car.
During the arrest, Ashley Wellesley yelled "I told him to go! I told him to do it!," according to the report.
While police tried to handcuff Aaron Wellesley, his wife left the car and yelled "Don't hurt my husband!" at police before she was detained as well.
Hernandez was struggling to walk after the crash and was taken to a hospital.
Lt. Jeff Taylor said Monday (Aug. 28) that Hernandez was "all right" but "banged up."
Aaron Wellesley and Ashley Wellesley were being held Monday at the Washington County Detention Center on bonds of $20,000 and $5,000, respectively. They each have hearings set for Oct. 2 in Washington County Circuit Court.