Oakland man is assaulted, held hostage
BY LELAND ACKER

Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating an alleged assault and hostage situation that occurred April 27 in Oakland, a rural community west of Rusk on U.S. Highway 84.

Scott Higgins said he was awakened by gunfire at approximately midnight. When he opened the door, he said a man greeted him with a gun.

Lt. Chris White of the Cherokee County Sheriff 's Office said Mr. Higgins opened the door to Marty Grove, 53, of Oakland, who was armed with a .44 caliber rifle.

"Mr. Grove ordered Mr. Higgins into another structure on the property where he held him at gunpoint," Lt. White said. "Mr. Higgins saw an opportunity to disarm Mr. Grove. In the struggle, a shot was fired, but it didn't strike anyone."

Lt. White said Mr. Higgins was able to flee from the residence and call the sheriff 's department. Patrol deputies from the sheriff 's department and officers from the Rusk Police Department responded to the scene.

Mr. Grove was taken into custody and remains in the Cherokee County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful restraint. Lt. White said deputies have no information regarding Mr. Grove's motive for the assault or what sparked the initial gunfire.