77-year-old arrested after wife reports beating to deputies

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 77-year-old man this week near Collinsville after his wife told deputies that her husband battered her and fled the scene.

Authorities identified the suspect as Frank E. Averett, who was charged with two counts of domestic battery on Thursday after the case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. Both charges are misdemeanors.

St. Clair County Investigator Scott Toth said the domestic violence call came in at around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday from the 200 block of Art Street in unincorporated Collinsville. In a news release, Toth said deputies met with a 73-year-old victim “who had obvious trauma to her face and arms.” The victim said her husband, Averett, beat her and then fled the scene. Deputies found Averett nearby, and he was taken into custody to the St. Clair County Jail.

Averett’s bail amount was set at $5,000.

According to online St. Clair County court records, Averett was charged with three counts of domestic battery in July 2014. All three misdemeanor charges were dismissed after records said the defendant completed anger management.

This story was originally published August 5, 2016 at 8:24 AM with the headline "77-year-old arrested after wife reports beating to deputies."