By VICKIE JAMBON

Staff Reporter

RESERVE – A 24-year-old Reserve man with an extensive criminal history was arrested by St. John the Baptist Parish authorities Monday night at 9:47 for allegedly pistol-whipping an 18-year-old Garyville man.

An officer stationed at the River Parishes Hospital was on duty at the hospital Monday evening when the victim arrived at 7:55 p.m. with a severely swollen right eye.

According to authorities, the man was arguing with Marquell Gardner when Gardner pulled a blue, steel revolver from the glove compartment of his vehicle and struck him in the face.

Gardner was later found on the 200 block of Little Hope Street in Garyville and arrested. He told authorities he beat the victim because the victim stole more than $500 from his girlfriend. However, Gardner denied having a gun.

Gardner, of 408 Homewood Place, Reserve, was charged with aggravated battery for the Nov. 29 incident.

Records in the clerk of court’s office reveal Gardner committed numerous crimes, which date back to 1997.

In 1999, the parole was charged for possessing contraband and illegally carrying weapons in a penal institution. He was also charged with aggravated assault.

Gardner was charged with possession of a firearm, illegal possession of stolen things and parole violation in 2001. In 2003 he was charged with simple battery.