MITCHELL – A Columbus man is facing a felony charge of domestic battery after an alleged altercation in Mitchell on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Martin L. Keels, 33, has been charged with domestic battery in the presence of a child under 16 years old, a Level 6 Felony. He was detained on Tuesday, July 1, after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Mitchell Police Officer Austin McKinley, officers were dispatched to a citizen assist call in the 400 block of South 7th Street at 11:27 p.m. on June 1. There, they met an adult female and her mother, who reported a domestic battery incident that occurred approximately 30 minutes prior.
The victim informed officers that her ex-boyfriend, Martin Keels, was dropping off their juvenile daughters. She approached the vehicle to speak with one of her daughters, who was in the back seat. While she was speaking, Keels allegedly grabbed her “in a bear hug fashion from behind,” lifted her off the ground, and threw her to the rear of the car before shutting the door to prevent further communication with the child. Keels then reportedly got into the car and left the scene.
A video recording from a neighbor’s camera reportedly shows the altercation. The female victim was provided with a Victim Services card and advised to seek further assistance based on her responses to a lethality screening.
The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Keels’ arrest.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
