By Pat Culverhouse

A Benton man allegedly decided to use his vehicle as a battering ram and is now sitting in the parish prison looking at eight counts of aggravated assault plus other charges.

Joshua Scott Young, 20, was arrested Thursday, Feb. 12 by Webster Parish deputies after he allegedly intentionally rammed into the rear of a vehicle loaded with passengers, including five juveniles.

In addition to aggravated assault, Young reportedly is charged with battery on a dating partner, driving under suspension, hit and run and reckless operation for the incident which occurred just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.11. He reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. His bond has been set at $45,000.

Officers reported one of the victims and Young, her reported boyfriend, had been arguing much of the day. She reportedly dropped off his pickup and proceeded to get into an SUV which was picking her up. At that time, Young allegedly got into the pickup and rammed into the rear of the SUV while traveling on Springhill Airport Rd.

According to statements, the SUV was occupied by nine individuals when it was struck, including five juveniles ranging in ages from less than one year to 17 years old. Four occupants reportedly received minor injuries.

One victim alleged Young later made contact by phone and bragged about the incident. He reportedly also bragged to deputies, claiming it was not his first time to do this.

After being contacted around 7:30 p.m. Thursday and read his Miranda rights, Young reportedly admitted he rammed the vehicle intentionally and did so at full speed. During his interview with arresting deputies, he reportedly showed no remorse for the incident.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.