According to the Hawkins County Sherriff’s Department, the father of missing 5-year-old Summer Wells was arrested last year for domestic assault.

In addition to that offense, documents state Donald Wells was taken into custody last October for possession of a handgun while under the influence and unlawful possession of a weapon following an domestic incident with Summer Wells’ mother, Candus Bly.

Deputies were called to the home on Ben Hill Road for that incident and found Donald Wells behind the wheel of a vehicle in the driveway. Wells reportedly was stumbling and had a strong odor of alcohol. The arrest report states Wells said he had a black powder pistol in the vehicle. A check came back Donald Wells was convicted of a felony in Utah.

Authorities spoke with Bly who said Donald Wells came home drunk and saw a man in the house. Wells started to argue with the man and had a physical altercation with Bly. She was pushed down causing injuries.

The day after, Bly filed for an order of protection against Donald Wells.

The document indicated Wells, “drinks and throws things.” She also wrote she was, “afraid of being hurt” and claimed Wells was abusive mentally and physically. Bly added she was “afraid for my children and myself.”

Four days later, on the date of Donald Wells’ hearing, Bly asked for a dismissal of the order of protection. The charges of domestic assault and unlawful possession of a weapon were dismissed. Wells plead guilty to possession of a handgun while under the influence.

The TBI and many agencies continue to search for Summer Wells. Today (June 22, 2021) makes a week the child disappeared.