Marion County deputies arrested James Coburn on May 24th for domestic battery and false imprisonment after a heated exchange with his girlfriend, Erica Akins, ended in a bite and an arrest.
The scene unfolded in a camper on a quiet property, where the couple had been living. Coburn, already two drinks into a less-than-peaceful afternoon, claimed Akins bit him on the inside of his right forearm. The wound, described by Deputy H. Helinski as a “circular, skin-removed” injury, was the result of an argument over a missing cell phone.
Coburn, under the influence of alcohol, accused Akins of taking his phone the day before. When she returned that morning, tensions flared. Coburn reached for Akins’ phone on the table, leading to the bite heard ’round the camper. Akins allegedly chomped down to free herself from Coburn’s grip, leaving a clear mark as evidence.
Enter Stephen Howe, the reluctant knight of this tale. Howe, a neighbor who often hears the couple’s tumultuous exchanges, confirmed hearing Akins’ cries of “Get off me” and “Let me go” during the altercation. He later gave Akins a ride to safety, corroborating her story of self-defense and false imprisonment.
Akins, also under the influence, recounted her side to Deputy Helinski. She claimed Coburn had pinned her to their bed, holding her down by her arms and shoulders. Desperate to escape, she resorted to biting his forearm. After freeing herself, she gathered her belongings and sought refuge with Howe.
With matching stories from Akins and Howe, and Coburn’s denial falling flat, Deputy Helinski had probable cause for arrest. Adding to Coburn’s woes, a background check revealed two prior battery convictions, solidifying his rap sheet and ensuring his stay behind bars.
Coburn now faces charges of domestic battery (second or subsequent offense) and false imprisonment, with his past offenses and current felony probation casting a long shadow over his defense. This camper saga ends with a bite, a badge, and a jail cell, reminding us all that sometimes, reality bites back.
