Cotter man arrested for gun threat

A 35-year-old Cotter man was arrested early Thursday morning after he allegedly pointed a loaded pistol at three family members and threatened to kill them.

Dustin James Blair was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault on a family or household member and taken to the Baxter County jail, where he was held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

Cotter residents at a home on Sunset called authorities and said they'd been threatened by Blair. A Cotter officer was not on duty duty at the time and Baxter County deputies were far away from the location, increasing their response time.

When Cotter Police Chief Travis Hopson arrived on scene, he began taking a report. Blair had left the residence prior to Hopson's arrival.

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One of the people in the residence complained about the response time. Hopson informed the woman that Cotter police do not operate 24 hours a day and that Baxter County covers the town when a Cotter officer is not on duty.

Hopson noted in his report that the answer failed to satisfy the woman.

When he able, Hopson continued to take the report. A male relative said Blair was allegedly drunk and high when he took a .25-caliber pistol from a hiding location in the home.

Blair then reportedly pulled the gun from his pocket, said "I'm going to kill you all," and pulled the slide on the pistol back, chambering a round.

One of the male relatives lunged at Blair and stripped him of the weapon. At some point, Blair also attempted to hit a male relative with a chair and hit him twice with a fist.

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The family members told Hopson that Blair had taken off down a walking trail. The chief followed the trail and found a makeshift tent.

With the help of another city employee, Hopson set up a game camera in the area of the tent. The camera was set to send Hopson a photograph to his cell phone anytime motion triggered the camera.

Then, the chief was notified Blair was back at the residence. Along with Cpt. Everett Ucthman, Hopson returned to the home, found Blair and arrested him.

Following a conversation with 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge during which Hopson shared the family's fears, Blair's bond was set at $100,000.

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The charge Blair faces is a Class D felony, the least serious felony classification. A bond of $100,000 for such a felony is unusual and shows that authorities believe the family's fears may be justified.

Electronic court records indicate Blair has one previous felony conviction for breaking or entering.