Harrison Man Arrested in Machete Attack on Ex

A 38-year-old Harrison man is in custody after allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend with a machete in Newton County. Andrew Augustus Clark is currently being held at the Newton County Jail on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Newton County Sheriff's Office, the incident began when Clark allegedly used a machete to shatter a window in the victim's vehicle to steal her keys and phone. The victim reported that Clark then physically assaulted her, striking her in the head and nose before dragging her into a nearby residence. Once inside, Clark reportedly held her hostage and continued the assault for approximately five hours.

Although Clark fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, the victim assisted deputies in recovering the weapon, which had been discarded in a wooded area near the home. Responding officers noted visible injuries to the victim's face, neck, head, back, arms, and legs. Following the issuance of a "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) alert, Clark was located and apprehended the following day.

Clark now faces five charges, including kidnapping - a Class Y felony. Under Arkansas law, this is the most severe crime classification and carries a potential sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. Additional charges include aggravated assault, third-degree domestic battery, first-degree criminal mischief, and interference with emergency communications. His bond has been set at $100,000.

Court records indicate that Clark has a significant criminal history, with five prior felony arrests in Boone County since 2018. Those previous charges include theft of property, obstructing governmental operations, and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. His past legal outcomes include periods of probation and time served within the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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