A South Carolina man was arrested on Christmas Day following a domestic disturbance at a Minden truck stop, according to a Minden police report.
Officers were dispatched to the Quick Draw truck stop on Louisiana Highway 531 in reference to a disturbance involving a married couple inside an 18-wheeler. The incident was reported to have stemmed from a verbal argument over not purchasing a Christmas present for one of their children.
According to the report, the argument escalated when the husband, 48-year-old Jeffery Burrell, stood up and began yelling at his wife while standing very close to her face. The wife told officers she pushed him in the forehead to create distance because he was spitting on her, after which he began striking her in the face multiple times. She stated she feared for her life and called police for help.
The husband gave a conflicting account, stating his wife initiated the argument and struck him first. He claimed he only pushed her head back to get her off of him and denied hitting her.
Officers observed the wife had significant swelling on the left side of her face and a bleeding finger. Emergency medical services were requested, and she was transported to Minden Medical Center for treatment. Officers also noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from Burrell, who had declined medical attention.
Based on the physical evidence and statements obtained at the scene, Jeffery Burrell of Chesnee, South Carolina, was arrested and transported to the Minden Police Department. He was charged with domestic abuse battery.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.