Two men were arrested on Thursday night following a drunken brawl at a home on Double Springs Church Road. Editor’s Note: An arrest or charge does not constitute a conviction.
Michael William Mathis, 53, and his brother, David Wayne Mathis, 50, were arrested after Walton County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home at 1870 Double Springs Church Road in the Between area of Walton County on reports of a domestic dispute on June 23 after 6 p.m. According to the incident report, deputies were informed while en route that shots were being fired into the air by David Mathis. On arrival, witnesses, who allegedly all appeared to be highly intoxicated, told members of law enforcement that David Mathis was in the house and in possession of several weapons, including a shot gun, a pistol and possibly a rifle. He was contact by phone and advised to come out with his hands up with nothing in them. He did come out, but he allegedly with his phone in one hand and a beer in the other, which he proceeded to drink on before having it taken about by deputies in order to handcuff him.
According to the report, interviews with witnesses laid out a day of drinking with tension and arguing between the brothers over the course of the day. David Mathis allegedly retrieved a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver and fired the first five shots from inside the house. It was not clear whether the shots were fired inside the home or outside, but no rounds were located inside the house. The gun, however, did contain five spent shell casings. Witnesses said as the day progressed, so did the arguing, with David Mathis retrieving a shot gun and firing it into the air. When Michael Mathis advised him he was calling 911, David Mathis allegedly hit him in the back of the head with the shotgun. A physical fight ensued with Michael Mathis allegedly firing a shot into the air as well. He reportedly denies firing the gun. All the gun fire allegedly took place outside. but within a few feet of the home.
Both Michael and David Mathis were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, “fighting (4) for any person who shall cause, provoke or engage in any fight, brawl or riotous conduct so as to endanger the life, limb, health or property of another or public property, discharging a fire arm while under the influence of alcohol and reckless conduct.” In addition, David Mathis was charged with obstructing a person from making an emergency 911 call.
On arrival at the jail, it was found that both men had previous felony convictions, so additional charges were added for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. David Mathis has a previous conviction from 2008 for terroristic threats and acts as well as stalking and Michael Mathis has previous convictions for a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, terrorist threats and acts and interference with government property. WCSO report that several guns were found throughout the house that both brothers live in.
Both men remain in Walton County Detention Center on more than $11,000 bond each.