Aggravated battery charge lands one in jail

A Minden man found himself in trouble with the law again following an argument where police say he claimed self-defense.

John Riley Hollingsworth, 29, of the 700 block of Pine Forest Drive, was arrested Friday, Oct. 30, on warrants for aggravated battery and aggravated criminal damage to property. Bond was set at $15,000.

Minden police chief Steve Cropper says about 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, officers received information an altercation took place in the parking lot at Walmart.

“When officers got there, they contacted the victim,” he said. “The victim’s driver’s side window was broken out; the glass was shattered causing minor cuts to the victim’s face. He indicated there had been some issues between him and Mr. Hollingsworth.”

Cropper says the victim told police Hollingsworth walked up to the victim’s truck and grabbed a bat or a stick out of the back, walked up to the driver’s side window and swung, shattering the glass.

“Mr. Hollingsworth then left the scene,” he said. “Officers made contact with Mr. Hollingsworth at his residence, questioned him in reference to the incident, and Mr. Hollingsworth indicated he did take a nylon axe handle.”

The chief says Hollingsworth told police he took the axe handle because he was afraid the victim was going to run over him, so he swung in self-defense.

“Upon examination of the video, it indicates that the vehicle was actually stationary when Mr. Hollingsworth broke the window,” he said. “We then presented evidence before a judge and got a warrant signed.”

Hollingsworth, according to the police report, turned himself in to police on the above charges. Following questioning, he was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Hollingsworth has since bonded out.