Three arrested after baseball bat attack

Jimmy Martin Cline, 41, of 338 Wages Road in Auburn, told police that Michael Clinton Hughes, 36, of 80 Greentree Drive in Auburn, came to his house the morning of Sept. 16. According to Cline, he and Hughes began arguing over the title to a pair of jet skis. Cline said he ordered Hughes off his property and Hughes responded by pulling a gun on him. Cline said he then grabbed a baseball bat and smashed the window of Hughes’ truck. At that point, Cline said he heard a scream and realized that Hughes had a female passenger in his vehicle. Hughes and the female then left Cline’s residence.

A friend of Cline’s said he witnessed the incident from approximately 50 yards away. The officer noted that the witness appeared nervous and kept looking at the ground during the interview.

After speaking with Cline and the witness, officers went to Hughes’ residence. Hughes admitted going to Cline’s house and arguing with the man, but denied having a gun in his possession.

Hughes said he pulled into Cline’s driveway and Cline “just flipped out.” Hughes said Cline struck his vehicle multiple times and hit him in the face and left arm with the bat. Officers noted several red marks on Hughes which appeared to be new injuries.

Hughes added that if he had a gun, he would not have let Cline attack him with a baseball bat. Hughes’ female passenger corroborated his story.

While being interviewed by officers, Hughes admitted that his license was suspended and that he had driven to Cline’s house. Officers also determined that Hughes had been driving an uninsured vehicle. He was arrested and charged with driving while unlicensed and driving without insurance.

Hughes’ brother, James William Hughes, 39, also of 80 Greentree Drive in Auburn, was listed as the registered owner of the vehicle. James Hughes was present while his brother was being questioned. When police checked James’ identification, they discovered an outstanding warrant for his arrest. James was taken into custody after the Jackson County warrant was confirmed.

Police then returned to Cline’s residence. Upon further questioning, both Cline and Cline’s witness changed their stories regarding the presence of a gun during the initial argument.

Cline was subsequently charged with aggravated assault and false report of a crime.

Other recent arrests made by Auburn Police include:

•Christopher Steven Canup, 22, 976 Atlanta Hwy., Auburn, probation violation.

•Tracy Alan Flannery Jr., 19, 256 Apalachee Church Road, Auburn, probation violation.

•Amber Leigh Douglas, 25, 128 Elkgrove Drive, Auburn, public intoxication.