The Ottumwa Police Department responded to a report of a domestic abuse incident that allegedly escalated from a verbal dispute into physical violence inside a shared residence.
On April 26 at approximately 12:18 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department responded to a report of a domestic abuse assault in the 200 block of N. Sheridan St.
According to a criminal complaint, the victim reported to law enforcement that Cliph Michel, 27, of Ottumwa, struck the victim seven times. Court records state that Michel and the victim are legally married and live together.
Documents indicate the victim said the incident began as a verbal dispute that escalated when Michel became physically violent and struck her.
Authorities also reported that, after speaking with Michel at the scene, officers requested he place his hands behind his back and informed him he was being detained. Michel allegedly became visibly irritable and resisted officers’ commands.
Court papers state that while officers attempted to place Michel in handcuffs, he continued to pull away and failed to follow lawful orders. He was eventually placed in handcuffs and transported to the Wapello County Jail, later being released on a $2,000 cash/surety bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 7.
Michel is charged with Domestic Abuse Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury (first offense), an aggravated misdemeanor, and Interference with Official Acts, a simple misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
