Ottumwa police were dispatched to a city street following reports of a disturbance that escalated from a verbal argument into a physical confrontation.
On May 7 at approximately 7:34 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department was dispatched to the 700 block of Tuttle Street for a report of disorderly conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, Devan Harland, 30, of Ottumwa, was involved in a verbal altercation with another male on the sidewalk. During the incident, Harland allegedly argued with the male and shoved him, causing the victim to nearly fall to the ground.
Court documents state the male then pulled pepper spray from his pocket and used it on Harland’s face. After being sprayed, Harland allegedly challenged the male to a fight and then picked up a shovel handle.
Harland was later arrested and released on a police citation. He has been charged with disorderly conduct, a simple misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
