OOLITIC — A 29-year-old Bloomington woman is facing a felony domestic battery charge after allegedly spraying a man in the face with a chemical agent during an argument while a young child was present.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Officer Kenton Carter, deputies were dispatched on August 22 to a residence located in the 500 block of Lafayette Avenue in Oolitic following a report of a domestic altercation.
Dispatch informed responding officers that the male victim reported being involved in a physical dispute with Brittany A. Hahn, 29, of Bloomington. He stated Hahn had sprayed him with an orange substance before fleeing the scene in her vehicle, likely heading toward Bloomington.
Upon arrival, Officer Carter spoke with the victim, who explained that the argument began over alleged infidelity and his request for Hahn to leave the property. The male victim reported that during the confrontation, Hahn sprayed him across the face, arms, and chest with an orange substance that caused his eyes to burn severely. The male had washed his face prior to the deputy’s arrival.
Officer Carter inspected the scene and documented fresh orange-colored splatter on the doorframe, windowsill, outdoor chairs, and a trash can.
The male victim completed a signed domestic battery affidavit and told deputies that his young child was inside Hahn’s vehicle at the time of the altercation. Video footage provided by the victim showed the initial argument and captured Hahn holding a spray canister under her armpit shortly before turning away, though the act of spraying was not caught on camera.
During a subsequent telephone interview, Officer Carter advised Hahn of her Miranda rights. Hahn acknowledged being at the residence and admitted to spraying a substance, claiming it was mosquito bug spray the victim had given her two weeks prior. However, she denied spraying it with the intent to harm him.
Because Hahn’s location was unknown at the time of the phone interview, Officer Carter requested an arrest warrant.
Hahn faces a preliminary charge of domestic battery committed in the presence of a child less than 14 years old, a Level 6 felony.
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.
