Man Charged In Assault After Burnout Dispute

A Cuba man has been charged with third-degree assault following a confrontation that escalated into violence over a pickup truck doing burnouts in a residential area.

Channing Pontius, 23, faces one count of third-degree assault.

According to the probable cause statement, the incident occurred around 4:04 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at 1201 West Washington Boulevard. 

Officers responded to a report of an assault and found the victim, identified as J.C., standing outside and flagging them down.

J.C. reported he had been struck in the back of the head and briefly lost consciousness. Officers observed a raised, red lump on the back of his head, consistent with his account. He told police the confrontation began when he yelled at a pickup driver—identified as Pontious—for performing burnouts in front of his residence.

J.C. said he then walked next door to a business and began photographing the truck. According to him, he remained off the property and walked along a gravel easement. As he turned to leave, he was struck from behind.

The victim was able to provide officers with a photo of the suspect and the truck, which was shared with other responding officers. After being evaluated by EMS at the scene, J.C. reported dizziness and was taken to the ambulance for further care.

Pontious initially fled the scene but returned around 4:41 p.m., where he was questioned by police after being read his Miranda rights. 

Pontious admitted to driving the truck and doing burnouts in front of J.C.'s home. He told officers that J.C. approached him to take photos and was told to leave.

Pontious acknowledged escalating the situation, stating: “I'm not going to lie, I wasn't trying to defuse the situation. I told him if he took a step closer, I was going to punch him, and he did, so I punched him twice—once in the side of the face and head.” 

He confirmed that J.C. fell to the ground but got up and walked away.

A witness at the scene, identified as D.M., a truck driver for a waste management company, gave a different account. He claimed J.C. aggressively confronted two employees in the truck and followed them into the parking lot, yelling in their faces. 

D.M. said J.C. also spit in Pontious’s face before Pontious punched him.

Pontious was placed under arrest for third-degree assault at approximately 4:56 p.m. and transported to the Crawford County Jail. Charges are being handled by the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office.