Grayridge man in custody for elderly abuse

GRAYRIDGE -- A Grayridge man is in custody after allegedly abusing his mother and holding a gun to her head.

According to the report, Michael Davis, 40, of Grayridge, was arrested on Monday, Feb. 16, after a domestic assault call was made to the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department concerning an altercation Davis had with his mother. It was allegedly during that assault that Davis had put a gun to her head.

The caller advised deputies that Davis was driving a gold colored vehicle and possibly had a firearm in his possession.

According to the report, Deputy Andrew Johnson arrived at the area of the call on Fayla Street in Grayridge, and located a gold colored 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, which was believed to be the vehicle Davis had driven. Johnson reportedly drew his duty weapon and, accompanied by Corporal Richard Owens, approached the vehicle. After approaching the person who exited the vehicle, officers were informed that Davis was inside the residence.

After demanding Davis exit the residence, officers took him into custody and transported him to the address of the alleged offense.

At the residence, the alleged victim, who shall remain nameless, reported that Michael Davis had threatened to kill her and himself earlier that day. According to the report, Michael Davis attempted to strangle her with a dog leash as she was seated, and she had to put her foot up in an effort to stop him from wrapping the chain around her neck.

The victim further stated that, while her foot was up, the chain got wrapped around her foot. After giving her statement, she showed Johnson a bruise on her left arm, indicating where Michael Davis had physically grabbed her earlier that day. She further stated that Davis had threatened to burn the house down while she was in it.

According to the report, the victim also informed officers that her son had been physically violent towards her prior to the incident by assaulting her several times.

Davis was taken to the Stoddard County Jail and was charged with elderly abuse and third-degree assault. No bond was set, and he remains in jail at this time.