31-05-2025
Man, reportedly under the influence, assaults missionary group member
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) – A man was arrested Friday afternoon after he was reportedly intoxicated while being visited by a group of missionaries before he assaulted one of the members.
The initial incident occurred around 1:25 p.m. The Grand Junction Regional Communication Center received a report of a man who threatened to kill his roommate at their home in the 2100 block of North 26th Street, according to the Grand Junction Police Department.
While the missionaries were visiting with the suspect at his home, the man allegedly assaulted one of the members in the kitchen. The group immediately left the house before his roommate arrived not long after.
The suspect reportedly tried to stab his roommate with a knife but he was able to restrain the man before law enforcement arrived.
GJPD then took the suspect, Joel Ballantyne, 33, into custody. He was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked on attempted first-degree assault, felony menacing, attempted second-degree assault on a peace officer, menacing, harassment and restraining order violation.
The police department said it believes this was an isolated incident and there's no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation is ongoing.
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