A service station scuffle last week in Berryville led to an assault citation for a justice of the peace. District 7 JP John Reeve stopped at Danny’s Tire on S. Main St. at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17, and went inside the station where customers often linger over coffee.
Reeve sat down next to Jim Lowery, and objected to some things Lowery had said at Monday night’s quorum court meeting. Lowery, a candidate for the JP position Reeve will leave at the end of the year, spoke during public comments and stated opposition to efforts to create a new ambulance district for the eastern half of the county, funded by a half-million dollars a year in new taxes.
Lowery said when Reeve first confronted him, he readily began to explain his position. As the conversation became more acrimonious, bystanders began to walk away from the pair. In an interview with the Independent, Lowery said the encounter took a surprising turn when Reeve threatened him.
“He squared off, with his fists up, and said, ‘I’m going to beat the (expletive) hell out of you!’” Lowery said. Reeve grabbed and twisted Lowery’s arm and pushed him backward, then squared off again with fists ready. “I didn’t want to fight him – that’s stupid!” Lowery said. Others had just begun to notice the outbreak of hostilities, and Lowery yelled for someone to call 911.
Berryville police arrived to find Reeve and Lowery had already regained their composure. Based on statements of witnesses and the two parties to the argument, a citation was issued to Reeve for third-degree assault. “I wasn’t mad, I didn’t even get upset,” Lowery said. “I just think it’s best to settle things verbally.”
Reeve, who did not reply to a request for comment, has taken the leadership role in pushing for the new ambulance millage. At the Aug. 15 quorum court meeting, JPs approved two readings of an ordinance in order to put the question on the November ballot. A special quorum court meeting Tuesday will discuss specific ballot language.