Authorities responded to a report of a domestic disturbance that resulted in an alleged physical altercation and injuries to the victim.
On May 9 at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department responded to a report of a domestic assault in the 800 block of Ingersoll Street in Ottumwa.
According to a criminal complaint, 47-year-old Joel Luke of Ottumwa is accused of grabbing the victim’s face during the incident. Court documents state that Luke also scratched the victim, leaving visible redness and bruising.
The complaint further notes the victim sustained an injury inside her mouth. Authorities say Luke’s actions caused the victim pain and placed her in immediate fear for her safety.
Luke was taken into custody and booked into the Wapello County Jail on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.
Court records show a no-contact order was issued on May 9. Luke has entered a not guilty plea and waived his preliminary hearing.
Luke is charged with domestic abuse assault causing injury or mental illness, a first-offense serious misdemeanor in Wapello County.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
