Authorities: Arkansas State student accused of 'savagely' beating teen on campus

Dallas Gillihan
Dallas Gillihan

An Arkansas State student accused of "savagely" beating a classmate on the Jonesboro campus was released from jail Monday on his own recognizance, police said.

The 18-year-old victim told university police Aug. 23 that he was the victim of an unprovoked attack, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Craighead County District Court.

In a Sept. 7 interview, a witness told authorities that he walked with the victim, Dallas Gillihan, 18, and another person to the parking lot behind Kay's Hall, a residence hall on campus, so Gillihan could show them something in his pickup.

The teen leaned against the bed of the truck, knocking off a bottle, after which Gillihan reportedly became enraged. According to the affidavit, he grabbed the victim by the throat and started punching him in the face, eventually taking him to the ground.

When the victim tried to get up, Gillihan, who was wearing boots, kicked him in the face, which the witness told authorities left the victim in a daze. This altercation lasted about 20 seconds, according to the report.

The victim got to his feet and made a threatening statement toward Gillihan, the affidavit quotes the witness as saying. Gillihan reportedly heard this and began punching the victim in the face in an attack that lasted about 30 seconds.

The witness told authorities that Gillihan helped the others carry the victim back to the residence hall entrance, then left campus.

The 18-year-old victim was unable to fight back during the altercation, according to the witness. The victim told police that he required surgery to repair broken bones in his face as a result of the attack.

According to the report, the witness said they are all from the same hometown and have known each other for years. Records show Gillihan is from Batesville.

The 18-year-old has been charged with second-degree battery, a felony. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 31.

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