Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting an active domestic disturbance involving a possible physical altercation on northbound U.S. Route 63.
On April 11, at approximately 11:50 p.m., the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 63 near mile marker 49. According to court documents, the dispatcher could hear people arguing in the background and believed a physical altercation was taking place.
Raymond Smith, 35, of Albia, later contacted 911 and reported that a female had jumped from a moving vehicle in Eddyville. Deputies located the victim after she exited the moving vehicle. Authorities allege that Smith struck the victim in the face, causing visible bruising and bleeding.
A criminal complaint states that Smith was later located while still operating a moving vehicle. During a search of his person, deputies reportedly found a clear resealable plastic bag in his right watch pocket containing a substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. The substance later tested positive using a Nartec field test kit.
Court documents further describe Smith as sweating profusely, agitated, and exhibiting rapid eyelid movement. Investigators also noted that Smith and the victim lived together at the time of the incident and share a minor child. Records show Smith has a prior conviction for domestic abuse assault dated November 28, 2017.
Smith was arrested and taken to the Wapello County Jail. While in custody, he refused standardized field sobriety testing, was placed under arrest for operating while intoxicated, and was read his implied consent advisory. He also refused chemical testing.
Smith is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 20. He faces charges including three counts of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person (Class C felony), possession of a controlled substance (third or subsequent offense, Class D felony), domestic abuse assault (second offense, aggravated misdemeanor), and operating while intoxicated (first offense, serious misdemeanor).
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
