BEDFORD — A Mitchell man faces a felony charge after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend inside a moving vehicle in the presence of a two-year-old child.
Elijah S. Sullivan, 23, was arrested by Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies on Friday, August 14th, on preliminary charges of Level 6 felony domestic battery in the presence of a child less than 16 years old and Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Officer Kenton Carter, the investigation began when a woman arrived at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department to report that Sullivan had injured her.
She told officers that she, Sullivan, and a two-year-old child had been at the Bedford Boat Club earlier in the evening, where Sullivan became intoxicated. While the woman was driving the group home, an argument broke out.
According to court documents, Sullivan grew angry and began kicking the vehicle’s windshield from the passenger seat, causing damage. When the woman attempted to get Sullivan out of the car, he allegedly struck her four to five times in the face with a closed fist.
Investigating officers documented visible injuries on the woman, including bruising to her forehead and an injury to her inner lip. A domestic violence lethality assessment was conducted, and the woman was provided with community resources and assistance through the RBR Alliance.
Officers proceeded to Sullivan’s residence on Felknor Road in Mitchell, where they located him at the front door. Sullivan, who appeared visibly intoxicated, was detained without incident by Officer Carter, Captain A. Pope, and Officer A. Hogan.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Sullivan acknowledged being at the Boat Club with the female and the toddler, stating the argument stemmed from a disagreement over care arrangements for the child. Sullivan denied causing damage to the vehicle and subsequently requested an attorney when questioned about the physical assault, at which point questioning ceased.
Sullivan was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Security Center, where he was lodged.
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.
