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PINE BLUFF MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER BEATING

By Ray King/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 10:29 PM CDT

A Pine Bluff man was in critical condition at Jefferson Regional Medical Center Tuesday after he was beaten by another man Monday night.

Police Lt. Bob Rawlinson said Russell Grinstead, 52, sustained severe trauma to his head and neck after an incident at 3204 Orchid St. at about 8 p.m. Monday.

Grinstead was allegedly beaten by Michael “Chad” Wilson, 33, also of Pine Bluff, who was taken into custody Tuesday morning after an all-night search by police.

Rawlinson said detectives received information that Wilson was hiding in a house on Lily Cove at about 11 a.m. and he was arrested without incident.

Wilson was taken to the adult detention center where he was held on probable cause of first-degree battery, pending an expected court appearance today and the filing of formal charges by the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Rawlinson said Officer Christina Kendrick was on patrol when she was flagged down and told that Grinstead had been beaten up. Kendrick found Grinstead unconscious and breathing sporadically in the front yard of the house.

Grinstead was treated by paramedics at the scene then taken to JRMC, where doctors indicated his prognosis was “guarded,” Rawlinson said.

Police said Grinstead and Wilson had been involved in an ongoing disagreement that escalated into violence.

Rawlinson said an investigation into the incident is continuing.

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