Little Rock, Arkansas – The recent re-arrest of a North Little Rock man, who was out on bond while facing manslaughter charges, has ignited questions and concerns about the efficacy and purpose of the bond process in Pulaski County.
Darmel Dashun Batemon Jr. found himself back in police custody after Arkansas State Police apprehended him on Sept. 26 on new charges – possessing a firearm and intent to distribute a controlled substance. This incident occurred while Batemon, a 20-year-old, was out on a $20,000 bond, having previously surrendered to ASP troopers on Sept. 13. The earlier charges were in connection with the tragic death of 84-year-old veteran Gerald Stuart Allen during a reported street-racing incident. Batemon’s alleged street-racing on Interstate 430 in April resulted in a collision with Allen’s car, leading to the demise of the retired Arkansas National Guard colonel and severe injuries to his wife.
Just a few days after Batemon was released on bond, another twist in his story emerged. On Sept. 16, he, along with seven other Arkansas men, was arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The police report from Tulsa mentioned the discovery of firearms, body armor, drugs, and other paraphernalia among the possessions of Batemon and his associates. This incident in Oklahoma swiftly caught the attention of Arkansas officials, thanks to an intelligence bulletin. This eventually led to Batemon’s re-arrest on Interstate 30 near Geyer Springs Rd.
Following these events, Batemon saw his bond revoked. He is currently incarcerated at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, awaiting an October hearing.
While the case is undoubtedly complex, it has brought forth questions about the bail system, especially concerning individuals with serious charges. Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones, treading cautiously to avoid making potentially prejudicial remarks, weighed in on the bond issue. He clarified, “The purpose of a bond, like the one used in Batemon’s case, is not to punish someone but to be sure they would appear in court at the assigned time.” Given that Batemon’s charges were at the lower spectrum of homicide-related accusations, Jones mentioned that the bond set was accordingly lesser than what might be expected for graver charges such as murder.
For those wondering if this incident might lead to an overhaul or review of the bond process in Pulaski County, Jones seems to think otherwise. He believes that the revocation of Batemon’s bond post the Tulsa episode suggests the system is working as intended. In Jones’s perspective, the bond process acted correctly, and there’s no immediate need for changes.
Closing out his comments, Jones added that as of now, Batemon is not expected to face additional charges in Pulaski County in relation to the Tulsa arrest.
