Authorities responded to a report of a domestic disturbance where a violent altercation left a victim injured.
On April 5 at approximately 9:42 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department responded to a report of domestic abuse in the 1000 block of S. James Street.
Upon arrival, authorities learned that an 18-year-old Ottumwa man, identified as Jayden Lovelace, allegedly struck a 62-year-old female victim in the face multiple times with a closed fist following an argument. According to the criminal complaint, the victim was hit approximately 20 times.
Court documents state that Lovelace intended to cause serious injury to the victim. Law enforcement also reported that he allegedly grabbed the victim around the neck and squeezed, impeding her ability to breathe. The victim stated that during the incident, she was unable to breathe while being held.
Officials noted that Lovelace and the victim are related and live in the same residence.
Lovelace is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 16.
Lovelace is charged with willful injury causing bodily injury, a Class D felony, and domestic abuse assault impeding the flow of air or blood, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
