The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic dispute on February 7 at approximately 10:44 a.m. in the 10,000 block of 194th Avenue in Ottumwa.
According to law enforcement records, deputies investigated an altercation involving Joannie Cave, 52, and the male victim. Court filings indicate both parties provided conflicting accounts of the incident.
Officers observed the victim had a bleeding cut on the bridge of his nose, along with bleeding from inside his nose. Court documents state the victim alleged Cave struck him in the face with her hands and later with her purse. Deputies noted the victim’s blood was visible on Cave’s clothing and on her purse.
The victim reported the assault was intentional and unprovoked.
Court records specify Cave and the victim are in an intimate relationship and had been living together for approximately one week prior to the incident.
The criminal complaint notes Cave alleged the victim punched himself in the face in an attempt to place blame on her.
Cave was arrested and is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail on a $1,000 cash or surety bond. A no-contact order was issued on February 8. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 18.
Cave is charged with Domestic Abuse Assault causing injury or mental illness, first offense, a serious misdemeanor.
