Police responded to a residence after receiving a report of a violation of a court-ordered no-contact order that led to an alleged physical altercation.
On February 9 at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department was dispatched to the 100 block of Cooper Avenue for a reported violation of a no-contact order.
According to court documents, Joshua Kirkhart, 22, of Ottumwa, arrived at the victim’s residence despite an active no-contact order issued February 3, 2026. The criminal complaint states Kirkhart grabbed the victim and pulled her by her jacket, causing an abrasion on her shoulder. Law enforcement reports that he then grabbed her by the pants and pulled her off the couch, resulting in additional abrasions to her hand and elbow.
Court filings indicate Kirkhart and the victim share a minor child. The incident was witnessed by another individual at the scene.
A warrant was served February 11. Kirkhart was arrested and is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail. His surety bond is set at $1,000. The no-contact order was reissued February 12.
Kirkhart has pleaded not guilty and waived his preliminary hearing. He is charged with violation of a no-contact/protective order (contempt), a simple misdemeanor, and domestic abuse assault causing injury or mental illness, a first-offense serious misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
