A Houstonia man has been charged with three felonies in Pettis County.

According to a probable cause statement, Jason James allegedly struck a vehicle parked at a residence in Hughesville. According to the vehicle’s owner, James appeared intoxicated and became irate when the resident declined to let him in the residence. James fled the area in his vehicle.

A witness spoke with a Pettis County Sheriff Deputy stating that he had heard a wreck followed by yelling and cursing from metal building on Main Street.

During the overnight hours of September 25, a Hughesville man was assaulted inside his residence and transported to Research Medical Center where he was in critical condition. The victim suffered serious injuries resulting in a fractured orbital, bleeding on the brain and extensive bruising. There were also signs of strangulation to the victim’s throat. While being treated, the victim identified the man who assaulted him as “James down the street.”

In an investigation, a neighbor was located who had a video recording system. In the video a Chevy Avalanche is seen driving toward the victim’s residence. The vehicle is seen approximately an hour later leaving the residence. Plastic molding from the scene revealed a number consistent with a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche which is consistent with James’ vehicle.

James is charged with a felony for first degree assault and two felonies for leaving the scene of an accident.

James was arraigned at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 3. The court ordered that James be detained with no bond.
A Counsel Status Hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 13 at Pettis County Circuit Court.