OOLITIC – An Oolitic man is facing domestic battery charges, including a felony count, after a child called a family member to report his parents were fighting. Robert D. Fritch, 37, was arrested after his partner was found with a fresh knot on her head, which she initially claimed was from a fall.
The incident occurred on September 22, when a child inside the home in the 200 block of Hoosier Avenue called a relative to report that their parents were fighting. The relative then alerted authorities.
When Indiana State Police Trooper Mackenzi Alexander arrived, a child was standing outside the home, and he confirmed he had called the relative because his parents were fighting and his dad “had put his hands on his mom.”
Troopers then made contact with the couple inside the residence, the child’s mother and Robert D. Fritch. The woman had a large, fresh knot on her head near her right eyebrow. She initially told police she had fallen, but later admitted to Trooper Tyler Trueblood that Robert Fritch had shoved her from behind, causing her to hit her head on a wall. The couple’s son also told police he saw his dad shove his mom.
Robert Fritch told police the argument began after his partner went through his phone and found a woman on it. He denied knowing how she got the injury to her head.
Three children, ages 13, 11, and 2, were inside the home during the incident.
During a search incident to arrest, a THC vape pen was found in Robert Fritch’s pocket. He was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and charged with domestic battery, domestic battery in the presence of a minor, and possession of marijuana.
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.
