Police say a Monticello man was injured this weekend as he tried to protect his family from another man. Police say Elisabeth Clark was backing out of the driveway of her mobile home park in Monticello when 20-year-old Brandon Dingle walked up with a knife and forced her back inside her home. Monticello Police Chief Ryan Evans says Dingle told Clark and her husband Jason he wanted to talk. Evans says Jason Clark fought back when Dingle went after one of his kids.
Evans says, "At the point the suspect tried to pick up one of the babies. He was attacked by the property owner, Mr. Clark." Chief Evans says Jason Clark literally knocked Dingle out during the fight but suffered a stab wound to the back. The family has not released information about Jason Clark’s condition. Neighbor Patty Weitnauer says she’s still shaken by the whole thing.
"I’m having a little trouble sleeping at night. I know he’s locked up, we just don’t have that happen," Weitnauer said. Court records show Dingle was charged twice with a violating residency rules as a convicted sex offender. He was at his grandparent’s mobile home across the street from the victims when the attack occurred.
Dingle was originally charged with first degree burglary and going armed with intent. Assault is included in that burglary charge. The Jones County attorney says she may revise the charges based on the evidence.