A shocking incident in Arkansas has left a man in the hospital after his wife allegedly ran him over with her car during an argument. The case has drawn attention due to its disturbing details and the emotional 911 call that followed.
The Incident in Lavaca
On Sunday evening around 7:30 p.m., deputies from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a medical emergency in Lavaca, a small town about 150 miles northwest of Little Rock.
When officers arrived at the scene, emergency responders were already attending to 34-year-old Clayton Masterson, who had been seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle. He was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Little Rock in critical condition.
What Led to the Argument
The driver was identified as his wife, 33-year-old Dara M. Masterson. According to police, Dara told officers that she and Clayton were separated, and she had gone to the house to collect her belongings.
At some point, the couple got into an argument, and as Dara tried to leave, she said she felt threatened. She claimed she backed up her vehicle to get away but ended up hitting her husband.
Emotional 911 Call Reveals Chaos
Local news obtained the recording of Dara’s 911 call, which lasted for about seven minutes. In the call, Dara can be heard panicking and crying, telling the dispatcher, “my husband was mad at me” and “I don’t know if he’s alive.”
She repeatedly begged for help while describing that her husband was bleeding from his mouth and nose. At one point, she admitted, “He told me to leave and I backed up in the car and I hit him.”
Her husband’s father was reportedly present when the incident happened. When asked by dispatchers whether she had driven all the way over him, Dara responded in shock, “I don’t know.”
Police Investigation and Arrest
The Criminal Investigation Division of the sheriff’s office soon took over the case. Dara Masterson was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree reckless battery and driving while intoxicated.
She is currently being held at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center with a bond of $10,000. Authorities confirmed that Clayton’s condition has improved and has been updated from critical to stable.
What Happens Next
Dara is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, where the charges against her will be formally heard. The case highlights how quickly heated disputes can escalate into life-threatening situations.
This tragic incident in Arkansas shows how domestic disputes can spiral out of control in just a few moments. While Clayton Masterson is now in stable condition, the emotional distress and legal consequences are only beginning for both families.
As the court proceedings unfold, many will be watching to see how justice is served in this heartbreaking case.
