BALDWIN — A Gainesville man was arrested Tuesday afternoon following an incident at a Baldwin convenience store that police say involved a vehicle being used as a weapon and a subsequent domestic-related confrontation.
According to the Baldwin Police Department, officers responded at approximately 4:58 p.m. on February 10 to a reported motor vehicle crash at Circle K.
Investigators determined that Balmer Alexis Melgar Ayala, 29, of Gainesville, was driving a 2014 Nissan Sentra when he intentionally rammed a 2015 Ford F-150 in the parking lot. The Ford F-150 was occupied at the time by a 29-year-old female, who police identified as Melgar Ayala’s spouse.
Police said the collision pinned the victim inside her vehicle, restricting her ability to move. The victim was eventually able to pull her truck forward, exit the vehicle, and get away from the immediate danger.
According to the victim and witnesses, Melgar Ayala exited his vehicle after the crash holding a hammer and began striking both vehicles, shattering multiple windows. The victim fled the area and moved to a safer location with the assistance of bystanders.
Melgar Ayala was detained when officers arrived on scene and was later taken into custody. The Baldwin Fire Department and Habersham County Emergency Medical Services also responded and determined that no injuries were reported as a result of the crash or the incident that followed.
Melgar Ayala was transported to the Habersham County Detention Center and charged with the following offenses:
- Aggravated Assault (Family Violence Act)
- Criminal Damage to Property (Family Violence Act) – two counts
- False Imprisonment (Family Violence Act)
- Terroristic Threats and Acts
- Reckless Driving
Baldwin Police thanked the Alto Police Department and Cornelia Police Department for their assistance during the incident.
The case remains under investigation.
