A reportedly homeless man was arrested on felony charges early Thursday after allegedly attacking another homeless man with a metal pipe at the victim's camp, reportedly telling Hot Springs police "I should have hit him harder."

Jeffery Russell Krohmer, 52, who lists "city streets" as his address, was taken into custody shortly before 3:30 a.m. and charged with felony counts of second-degree battery and aggravated assault, each punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of public intoxication and obstructing government operations.

Krohmer was being held on a $6,000 bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District Court. According to court records, he lists no prior felony history, but had multiple convictions earlier this year for misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

The probable cause affidavit said that shortly after 3 a.m., HSPD Officer Aaron Combs responded to the 1400 block of Malvern Avenue regarding an assault and upon arrival could hear a male "screaming in pain and for help."

As he approached, he saw a male victim, 43, being actively attacked by another man, later identified as Krohmer. He noted the victim was "covered in blood" and immediately hid behind Combs' patrol car.

The victim reportedly stated Krohmer had come to his camp and attacked him. He said he tried to escape and Krohmer began hitting him with a metal pipe, approximately six times, causing injuries, and then punched him in the face two times, causing his nose to bleed, and kicked him in the knee, causing it to swell.

He also noted Krohmer "applied pressure to his neck preventing his ability to breathe," at one point.

Officers made contact with Krohmer and Combs ordered him to get on the ground, where he was detained. He reportedly refused to give his name or any other information despite repeated attempts.

Krohmer reportedly made several spontaneous comments admitting "he had in fact beaten" the victim using a metal pipe. He also allegedly admitted to using meth and officers noted he was making "uncontrollable movements," would have "uncontrollable fits of aggression" and made several incoherent comments.

Krohmer reportedly stated multiple times, "I should have hit him harder" and "I was going easy on him with that pipe."

He was taken into custody at that point and transported to the Garland County Detention Center.

Print Headline: Homeless man allegedly beaten with a pipe at his camp

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