Man Allegedly Beats Girlfriend, Steals Car

A Bradyville man was arrested on charges of domestic assault and theft over $1,000 on Feb. 20.

Deputy Lawrence Avera was dispatched an address on Toy Denny Rd. on Feb. 20 in reference to a report of a physical domestic in progress. Prior to his arrival at the scene, Deputy Avera was advised by Cannon County Dispatch that the male subject had left the residence in the female victim’s vehicle, a Mercury Topaz, heading towards Jim Cummings Hwy.

Upon his arrival at the Toy Denny Rd. address, Deputy Avera made contact with the female subject who said she had been assaulted by Ronnie Eugene Gilley and that he left in her vehicle without her permission.

The victim said she had been in their roommate’s bedroom reading Avon magazines and when she returned to the room she shared with Gilley, he got mad and asked her where she had been for so long. She said from that point on Gilley became increasingly violent for no apparent reason. She said he may have been drinking.

She said Gilley then punched her in the back of the head and called her a liar and was cussing her. She said she was in fear of her life and felt threatened by Gilley so she grabbed a broomstick in an attempt to defend herself.

The victim said Gilley grabbed the broomstick and while they were fighting for it he kicked her in the upper part of her left leg.

A roommate told Gilley he had to leave and at that point he took the victim’s purse, poured all the contents onto the floor, took all her keys, and left in her Mercury Topaz. She stated she told Gilley not to take the car.

Deputy Avera observed marks on both upper arms of the victim, who stated she was extremely afraid of Gilley and was scared he would come back and hurt or kill her. The roommate told Deputy Avera he witnessed Gilley kick the victim and pour the contents of her purse on the floor and take the keys.

The Mercury Topaz was spotted later than day by Woodbury Assistant Police Chief Kevin Mooneyham abandoned in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot. It was impounded and later retrieved by the owner.

Acting on a tip, Deputy Avera, along with Woodbury Police Officers Patrick Fann and Brent Brock, went to 111 Bryson Court in an attempt to locate Gilley at that residence. According to the informant, another person, Mary Carmack, who was wanted in Winchester on an arrest warrant, was also staying at that address. Carmack answered the door when officers knocked, said she knew she was wanted in Winchester, and stated Gilley was upstairs sleeping. Both were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cannon County Jail.

Gilley’s bond on the assault and theft charges was set at $7,500. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Cannon County General Sessions Court on April 5.