A newly released probable-cause affidavit provides additional details surrounding the arrest of Arkansas State Representative Austin McCollum following an alleged domestic disturbance at his Bentonville residence.
According to the affidavit filed in Benton County Circuit Court, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a physical disturbance shortly after midnight on August 1, 2026.
Investigators allege McCollum began arguing with his wife, Ragen McCollum, after returning home. The affidavit claims McCollum threw his shoes at her as she walked upstairs toward their bedroom.
Authorities said the argument continued inside the bedroom and escalated when Ragen McCollum attempted to leave.
The affidavit alleges McCollum stood in front of the bedroom door and refused to allow her to exit. Investigators claim he grabbed the back of her neck with his knee, pushed her face into a mattress and restricted her airway.
Authorities allege Ragen McCollum eventually escaped McCollum’s grip and attempted to move away. The affidavit claims McCollum then slammed the bedroom door onto her hand, injuring 2 of her fingers.
Investigators further allege McCollum punched his wife in the face, splitting the area above her eyebrow, before throwing her to the floor. The affidavit claims he climbed on top of her, pinned her down, struck her and repeatedly slammed her head against the ground.
According to the affidavit, the alleged assault continued for approximately 20 minutes.
Investigators also claim McCollum attempted to make his wife clean herself and conceal blood following the alleged assault.
The affidavit states that another family member called 911 after seeing the woman’s injuries. That person reportedly separated the couple until law enforcement officers arrived.
Deputies reported observing blood on the woman’s arms and legs, transfer blood on her hands and injuries to her knuckles.
According to the document, McCollum appeared intoxicated when deputies arrived and declined to provide a statement explaining how his wife sustained her injuries.
Deputies also reported observing blood on McCollum’s arms and legs, transfer blood on his hands and injuries to his knuckles that investigators described as consistent with repeatedly punching someone.
McCollum was subsequently taken into custody.
CHARGES LISTED IN AFFIDAVIT
McCollum is accused of:
Aggravated assault on a household or family member — Class D felony
False imprisonment in the 1st degree — Class C felony
Domestic battery in the 3rd degree — Class A misdemeanor
A criminal-history check reportedly found no previous criminal record for McCollum.
Citing the allegations, the nature of the offenses, McCollum’s criminal history, the potential likelihood of conviction and the possible penalties, the State of Arkansas requested a $25,000 bond.
The affidavit was signed by Benton County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Patrick Stuart and approved by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Zach Morton.
The information contained in the affidavit represents allegations presented to establish probable cause. McCollum is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges, bond conditions and case information may change as the court proceedings continue.
CASE INFORMATION
Name: Austin McCollum
Position: Arkansas State Representative
Court: Benton County Circuit Court
Incident Date: August 1, 2026
Investigating Agency: Benton County Sheriff’s Office
Bond Requested by State: $25,000
Previous Criminal History: None listed in the affidavit
Case Status: Pending
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