Ottumwa Police department responded to a reported domestic abuse incident at a residence after a dispute escalated between two parties. The suspect had been consuming alcohol and became involved in a verbal argument related to their drinking.
On December 12 at approximately 11:05 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department was dispatched to the 500 block of South Ferry Street in response to a reported domestic abuse incident.
According to court documents, Justin Hatch, 49, of Ottumwa, had been consuming alcoholic beverages throughout the day and became intoxicated. A verbal dispute began between Hatch and the victim regarding his drinking. When the victim attempted to separate herself from Hatch to avoid further conflict, the situation escalated and Hatch became increasingly aggressive.
The criminal complaint states that Hatch struck the victim with a closed fist, making contact with her right forearm and right upper leg. During the incident, Hatch also made verbal threats toward the victim, including threats of physical harm and threats to kill her.
The victim placed a 911 call during the altercation, and the dispatcher could hear the dispute taking place. Officers arrived on scene and conducted an investigation, after which Hatch was taken into custody and transported to the Wapello County Jail, where he is currently being held.
Hatch is being detained on a $3,000 cash or surety bond. An initial appearance hearing was filed on December 15. He is charged with Harassment in the First Degree, an aggravated misdemeanor, and Domestic Abuse Assault causing injury or mental illness, first offense, a serious misdemeanor.
