An Ottumwa man was arrested after authorities say he assaulted his girlfriend in the presence of two children.
Justin Cheeks, 23, was charged with willful injury – causing bodily injury (Class D felony), domestic abuse assault – impending air/blood flow causing bodily injury (Class D felony), and two counts of child endangerment (aggravated misdemeanor).
On July 12th at approximately 1:30 AM, court records say Cheeks assaulted and strangled his girlfriend at their shared residence on North Forest Avenue in Ottumwa. Police say two children, ages four and six, were present in the home when the assault occurred. According to officials, the victim is the mother of one of the children.
Court documents allege the victim sustained bruising around her neck from the assault.
Cheeks is currently being held without bond in the Wapello County Jail.
