Barry County man charged with first degree harassment

Last week, an alleged Purdy altercation involving an axe resulted in one man's arrest. Read the full press release below:

According to affidavits of probable cause by officer Russ Nichols, of the Purdy Police Department, Brian Christopher Coleman, 31, harassed the victim while brandishing a double-bladed axe. Coleman was arrested at approximately 7:27 p.m. on Thursday, January 31.

According to the affidavits, at approximately 6 p.m. on January 31, Coleman was in a store on Business Highway 37 at the same time as the victim. Coleman allegedly made comments to the victim as they passed in the doorway.

Coleman told the officer he felt threatened for his safety and walked away to his vehicle. Coleman then retrieved a double-bladed axe from his vehicle and walked back toward the victim, according to the report.

The affidavits state Coleman brandished the weapon, attempting to entice victim into attacking him.
Coleman is currently being held at the Barry County Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond for harassment in the 1st degree and unlawful use of a weapon - exhibiting, both felonies