Washington man charged after alleged domestic dispute shatters ceiling light, endangers infant

WASHINGTON — A 40-year-old Washington man faces felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say a domestic dispute escalated into a dangerous incident that put an infant at risk early Friday morning.

Milton Jones of Washington was arrested following a reported altercation shortly after 2 a.m. Dec. 27 at a residence on East Second Street. Court records show Jones is charged with domestic abuse assault, third or subsequent offense, a Class D felony, and child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.

According to a criminal complaint filed with Iowa Courts, officers responded at 2:20 a.m. after a complainant reported “an ongoing verbal altercation between the Victim and the Defendant.” The complaint states the complainant alleged that Jones prevented the Victim from dialing 911 to request assistance.

Police made contact with both parties upon arrival and began an investigation. During that investigation, officers learned the dispute allegedly turned physical and created a hazardous situation inside the home.

“During the investigation, officers learned that the Defendant raised and/or threw an infant chair into the air, causing it to strike and break the glass light fixture of a ceiling fan,” the complaint states. “Broken glass subsequently fell onto the Victim and the shared biological child of the Victim and Defendant, who is four months old.”

Neither the woman nor the infant suffered visible injuries, according to court documents. The complaint notes, however, that the incident formed part of a broader pattern of alleged abuse.

“The Victim further stated that this incident was not isolated and alleged that the Defendant has previously caused her to fear for her health and safety,” the complaint states. “The Victim also alleged that the Defendant has physically assaulted her in the past.”

Jones was taken into custody following the incident. A no-contact order was issued, barring him from contact with the victim.

Court records show Jones has prior convictions for domestic abuse assault in Washington County. The criminal complaint cites convictions on Sept. 11, 2012, and April 8, 2018, with the latter classified as an aggravated misdemeanor. Those prior convictions elevate the current domestic abuse assault charge to a felony under Iowa law.

Domestic abuse assault, third or subsequent offense, carries the possibility of prison time if convicted. Child endangerment charges apply when an adult’s actions knowingly create a substantial risk to a child’s safety, even if no physical injury occurs.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com