Man Accused of Ramming Spouse’s Truck, Smashing Vehicles With Hammer at Baldwin Circle K

BALDWIN, Georgia – A 29-year-old Gainesville man was arrested Tuesday after police say he intentionally rammed his spouse’s vehicle in a Baldwin convenience store parking lot and then used a hammer to smash both vehicles.

Officers with the Baldwin Police Department responded at approximately 4:58 p.m. February 10, 2026, to the Circle K at 3951 Hwy 365 in Baldwin, Georgia, for a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers were told the driver of a 2014 Nissan Sentra, identified as Balmer Alexis Melgar Ayala, used his vehicle to intentionally strike a 2015 Ford F-150 in the parking lot.

The F-150 was occupied by a 29-year-old woman identified as Melgar Ayala’s spouse. Police said the impact pinned her inside the truck, restricting her movement. She was eventually able to pull the vehicle forward and get out.

According to the victim and witnesses, Melgar Ayala exited his vehicle after the crash armed with a hammer and began striking both vehicles, shattering most of the windows. The victim fled to a safer location with bystanders.

Melgar Ayala was detained when officers arrived and later arrested. The Baldwin Fire Department and Habersham County Emergency Medical Services responded and determined there were no injuries related to the crash or the domestic incident.

Melgar Ayala was transported to the Habersham County Detention Center and charged with Aggravated Assault F.V.A., two counts of Criminal Damage to Property F.V.A., False Imprisonment F.V.A., Terroristic Threats and Acts, and Reckless Driving.

Police thanked the Alto and Cornelia Police Departments for assisting with the incident.