Domestic-related incident in Baldwin prompts police response

By: Brian Wellmeier

Photo: Baldwin Police Department

Police responded to a domestic-related vehicle assault in Baldwin on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 10, that ended in an arrest, according to the Baldwin Police Department.

No injuries were reported during the incident. 

Police say officers with the Baldwin Police Department were dispatched around 4:58 p.m. to the Circle K at 3951 Hwy. 365 in reference to a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers believed the wreck to be intentional.

According to authorities, Balmer Alexis Melgar-Ayala, 29, of Gainesville, allegedly used a 2014 Nissan Sentra to strike a 2015 Ford F-150 in the parking lot. Police say the Ford was occupied by a 29-year-old woman identified as Melgar-Ayala’s spouse.

Investigators said the impact pinned the woman inside her vehicle, though she was eventually able to pull the truck forward and escape.

After the crash, authorities say Melgar-Ayala exited the vehicle armed with a hammer and began to strike both vehicles and shattered multiple windows as the victim fled the area and sought safety.

Melgar-Ayala was then detained when officers arrived and taken into custody without further incident.

Melgar-Ayala was transported to the Habersham County Detention Center, where he faces charges including aggravated assault (Family Violence Act), criminal damage to property (Family Violence Act) — two counts, false imprisonment (Family Violence Act), terroristic threats and acts and reckless driving.