DECATUR — John Reed, 30, of Siloam Springs, was charged with battery in the second degree after allegedly breaking another man’s jaw on Sept. 5.

Reed and Charles Rickman, 23, got into an argument, at the home of Charles Rickman’s sister, Jessica Rickman, in Decatur. Both men accuse the other of starting the altercation.

Charles Rickman told police that Reed was yelling at his sister and when he confronted Reed, Reed struck him in the jaw and knocked him unconscious. Charles Rickman sought medical treatment at Ozarks Community Hospital in Gravette and provided police with medical records documenting his injuries and the need for reconstructive surgery, the report stated.

Reed told police that when he arrived at Jessica Rickman’s apartment, Charles Rickman was waiting outside and started cursing at him as he approached the apartment. Reed said Rickman took the “first swing” and that he was only defending himself when he struck Rickman.

Reed agreed to turn himself in to police on Sept. 16 on charges of battery in the second degree.

News, Pages 12 on 09/22/2010