A domestic dispute escalated into an armed confrontation Tuesday, March 11, leading to the arrest of a suspect on a charge of aggravated menacing, officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department report.
Eric Beltran, 43, was arrested after police responded around 9:15 p.m. to a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 200 block of east Brown Avenue. A man was swinging a knife at people, and another person in the house had a firearm, officers were told.
The victim told officers he received a call from his ex-wife warning that Beltran was intoxicated and violent. When the victim arrived at the home, he was met by his grandson, who urged him inside. Moments later, Beltran emerged with a knife, prompting the victim to draw his legally owned handgun.
The victim stated he repeatedly told Beltran to put the knife down and warned him that he was too close. Beltran reportedly made hand gestures but did not verbally threaten or swing the weapon. When officers arrived, Beltran reportedly threw the knife onto a couch.
Beltran’s wife told officers she had texted Beltran’s mother for help due to his intoxication, which led to an argument. When Beltran tried to take her phone to stop her from sending messages, she called her parents for assistance. She said Beltran retrieved a knife from the kitchen and advanced on the victim before officers arrived.
Beltran reportedly became uncooperative as he was being checked in to the Logan County Jail. He reportedly refused to remove his jewelry and was swinging his belt toward officers. He was subdued and placed in a restraint chair.