Tennessee Tech student Aaron Downs was arrested Sunday, Nov. 1 by Cookeville police officer Christian Smith for aggravated assault.
According to the police report, witnesses stated Downs became angry after speaking with his girlfriend at a party and proceeded to hit the victim, another Tech student, who was standing near him.
According to the police report, Downs, standing adjacent to the victim, hit the victim on the right cheek, knocking him to the ground. Witnesses took the victim indoors and began showering him with cold water. The contact knocked the victim unconscious, and it took him five to 10 minutes to regain consciousness.
Witnesses stated Downs “snapped” during the conversation with his girlfriend and hit the closest person to him.
The impact of the concrete left scratches on the victim’s left cheek.
According to the police report, the victim’s father received a call from Downs who apologized for his actions, saying he acted “immature and irresponsible.” Downs told the victim’s father he had no reason for his actions and would rectify the situation.
Officer Smith made contact with Downs and read him his Miranda rights. Smith asked Downs if he was at the house during the incident. Downs stated he was at the house during the time of the incident but said he should speak with a lawyer before proceeding with the conversation.
Smith arrested Downs for aggravated assault and took Downs to Putnam County Sheriff’s Office where he was notified of the information relating to his bond and charges, according to the police report.
The victim was transported from Cookeville Regional Medical Center to Vanderbilt Hospital with related head injuries.
