PRESS RELEASE

January 14, 2025

Domestic Assault Incident Leads to Arrest in Etowah County

Etowah County, AL - A domestic assault incident resulted in the arrest of an Attalla man, according to Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton.

On January 7, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM, Etowah County deputies, with assistance from the Attalla Police Department, responded to a domestic disturbance on Anna Drive in Attalla, Alabama. Upon arrival, officers found a female victim at the bottom of the steps leading to the front porch. She was covered in blood and visibly distressed.

The victim told deputies that her boyfriend Brian Keith Ponder, who had returned home possibly intoxicated, became agitated and began yelling at her. She reported that he physically assaulted her with a belt and a fire extinguisher, then threw her out the front door into the cold and locked it behind her.

Law enforcement made contact with Ponder inside the residence. He appeared intoxicated and was uncooperative with officers. Blood was observed on Ponder's forearm, but he did not appear to be injured.

The victim suffered significant injuries, including trauma to her head, face, upper extremities, and upper body. She was airlifted to UAB Hospital for emergency treatment.

Ponder was arrested and transported to the Etowah County Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of domestic assault. With assistance from the Etowah County District Attorney's Office, investigators secured a $20,000 cash bond for Ponder the following day.

The investigation is ongoing. The Etowah County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to holding offenders accountable and ensuring the safety of the community. Anyone experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to contact law enforcement or local support organizations for assistance.