Local man accused of pepper spraying, assaulting two people

A Frankfort man was arrested Friday night after police say he assaulted and pepper sprayed one person and physically fought another.

Frankfort Police were called to a fight involving approximately 10 people on Tupelo Trail at 9:19 p.m. Upon arrival, Dustin Ewing allegedly told authorities that he had been attacked by other individuals and used pepper spray and physical force to protect himself and his girlfriend, who was not identified.

However, police got a different account of the incident from multiple witnesses who explained that Ewing and his girlfriend had driven past the area in an SUV before attacking one of the victims.

“According to the witnesses, Mr. Ewing and (his girlfriend) struck the victim in the face multiple times and used pepper spray against her,” an officer wrote in his arrest citation. “The second victim reportedly intervened to assist the first victim, resulting in a physical altercation.”

Both the victims and the witnesses identified Ewing and his girlfriend as the aggressors. Both victims sustained injuries to their faces and eyes and reported a burning sensation consistent with pepper spray exposure.

Ewing also reportedly admitted to using cocaine and witnesses advised that both he and his girlfriend are known to have mental health and substance abuse issues. During a search, officers allegedly found suspected cocaine in a baggie in Ewing’s hoodie pocket. Also in his possession was one of the victims’ cellphone.

Ewing is charged with first-degree robbery (attempt), a Class C felony; first-degree possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), first offense, a Class D felony; fourth-degree assault (minor injury), a Class A misdemeanor; and second-degree disorderly conduct and and public intoxication (controlled substance, excludes alcohol), both Class B misdemeanors.

He was transported to the Franklin County Regional Jail where he is being held on a $10,000 full-cash bond.