A Carmi man appeared in White County this morning where bond was set at $2,000 in due to his arrest during a Domestic Dispute on Saturday night. White County Sheriff Deputy Trey Simmons with the assistance of the Carmi Police Department arrived at 1118 Valter Drive just a little before 11 PM and could hear yelling coming from inside the residence. The officers spoke with Tosha Rankin who informed the officers that she and 46 year old William Browning of Commerce Street had been arguing prior to the call. The officer noticed a cut above Toshas right eye and when asked what happened, she answered she did not know. Melinda Rankin told officers that Browning had struck Tosha during the argument and had run out of the residence before police arrived. When Tosha was asked if she wanted to sign a complaint against Browning, she refused.
Officers then spoke with John Rankin who stated he had been assaulted by Browning after he attempted to stop Browning from hitting Tosha. John signed a Probable Cause complaint against Browning due to him kicking him in the stomach and chest. While on scene officers also spoke with Melinda Rankin who said the front door of the residence was damaged but none of her personal belongings. The officer instructed Melinda to have the landlord call the Sheriff’s Department if he wished to sign a complaint in regards to damage to the door. Officers found Browning hiding under in a vehicle outside of the residence and placed him under arrest. Officers spoke with Browning at the jail who denied hitting Tosha and John. He state he and Tosh were arguing when John tackled him to the ground then stated he ran out of the residence. Browning is being charged with two Counts of Domestic Battery on Tosha and John.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Browning for May 22nd at 10 AM.
