Police Say Arkansas Man Hit Black Victim With Chain After Using Racial Slur

An Arkansas individual is facing serious charges after an altercation involving a racial slur and physical violence. Tanner Chase Thomas Bobbitt has been charged with second-degree battery, classified as a Class D felony, following an incident in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on October 17.Court documents referenced by KAIT reveal that the victim was cycling to a friend's residence when Bobbitt yelled the offensive term and issued a threat. Upon confronting Bobbitt, the assailant accessed a heavy chain from his pocket and struck the victim in the head.The police affidavit notes, “The victim states that he confronted Bobbitt, who then wielded a chain and hit him,” resulting in an actively bleeding laceration. Officers discovered a 1.5-foot-long metal chain in Bobbitt's jacket during a search.Bobbitt, 22, acknowledged both the racial insult and the assault, asserting he acted in self-defense. His bond has been set at $20,000, and he has a prior felony charge involving a stabbing incident.