A Ferriday man was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm on New Year’s Day.

At 12:03 a.m., Jan. 1, patrolman Michael Bell got a call about a disturbance on Seventh Street, Ferriday Police Chief Richard Madison said.

Maurice Bachus, 41, 513 Seventh St., was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and domestic abuse battery after allegedly striking his wife, Doris Ann Johnson, 35.

Madison said the couple got into an argument and Johnson told Bachus to leave the residence. Bachus then allegedly got a box, containing a 9mm pistol and struck her with the box.

Madison said Bachus allegedly then took the gun out of the box, loaded it and pointed it at Johnson. Johnson tried to block the gun by swatting it away and the weapon discharged on the floor, Madison said.

Bell arrested Bachus at 1:48 a.m. and he was transported to FPD for booking.

Bachus was then taken to the Concordia Parish jail.

Bachus was released on $7,500 bond Wednesday.