A 40-year-old Dunnellon man accused of pointing a handgun at a child, battering a woman, and threatening to shoot law enforcement officers has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Back on Saturday, May 30, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a local residence in reference to a suspicious 911 call featuring an open line and yelling in the background, according to the arrest report.
When deputies arrived at the home, they made contact with a female victim who was with two children. The victim told deputies that she had been packing her vehicle to go stay with family members when the incident occurred.
According to the victim’s statement, she was near her vehicle while the two children were eating food inside the residence. She stated that a man, identified as Steven Ray Matthews, removed a plate of food from one of the children, sparking a verbal argument when the victim returned inside and discovered what had happened.
During the dispute, Matthews allegedly pointed a handgun at the child’s face and threatened to kill the child. The report stated that the child, who was “crying and extremely upset,” described the firearm to deputies as being grey on the top and black on the bottom with an extended magazine.
Matthews also allegedly pushed the victim in the upper chest and shoulder area during the altercation.
When the responding deputies attempted to intervene, Matthews reportedly became “confrontational.” He allegedly opened the front door and stated that if any deputies came into the house or garage, he would “kill all law enforcement” in a “shootout.”
Matthews eventually walked out of the garage toward his car, at which point a deputy ordered him to turn around, according to the report. Matthews allegedly refused to comply and resisted when several deputies attempted to take him into custody.
Moments later, Matthews reportedly tried to retreat back into the garage. One of the deputies tasered Matthews, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Matthews stated that he wanted the victim to leave the residence. He denied pointing a gun at the child or having any physical contact with the victims, according to the report.
A deputy noted in the report that Matthews refused to answer any further questions. He was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody without bond.
Matthews is facing the following charges: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, and battery (touch or strike). He is scheduled to appear in a Marion County courtroom at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, according to jail records.
In addition, Marion County Court records show that Matthews entered a written plea of not guilty earlier this month, and he is being represented by a public defender.