OOLITIC — A local man is facing multiple felony charges after Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at an Oolitic apartment complex over the weekend.
Joseph J. Runyon, 37, of Oolitic, was arrested on Sunday, September 27, 2026, by the Lawrence County Police Department following an incident in the 600 block of West 9th Street. He faces preliminary charges of intimidation, criminal confinement, and domestic battery.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Officer Kenton Carter, dispatchers received an anonymous report of a physical domestic altercation inside an apartment. The caller stated that a female victim had been struck by her boyfriend, identified as Runyon, and was bleeding. Dispatchers also cautioned responding officers that firearms were reportedly inside the apartment and a juvenile might be present.
Upon arrival, Officer Carter knocked loudly and announced his presence. Officers heard male and female voices inside, and at one point, the victim attempted to open the apartment door. However, the door was quickly pushed shut and locked from the inside.
While officers maintained a perimeter and attempted to negotiate with the occupants through the door, two acquaintances arrived at the scene. The individuals told police they were there to pick up the victim, stating that Runyon was “going crazy” and that the situation inside was deteriorating.
The victim eventually exited the apartment to meet with officers. Officer Carter noted in his report that the woman had fresh blood droplets on her shirt, blood on her arm, freshly dried blood in and around her nose, blood-stained pants, and a bleeding scrape on her knee.
While speaking with deputies, the victim initially denied that a minor was inside, but later acknowledged her 16-year-old son was in the residence. Officers safely extracted the teenager from the apartment. The juvenile reported that while he did not witness the physical fight, he heard the pair arguing after they arrived home.
According to the affidavit, the incident began when Runyon picked the victim up from work. During the ride, an argument broke out after Runyon threatened to crash the vehicle with her inside. Upon arriving at the complex, Runyon stepped out of the vehicle briefly, prompting the victim to pull the keys from the ignition. Runyon then reportedly climbed across the passenger side, pinned her down, and punched her in the nose.
Officers later re-contacted the original caller, who stated that Runyon had allegedly beaten the victim and threatened to kill her, and that witnesses were fearful of retaliation.
After continued dialogue through the victim, Runyon agreed to surrender peacefully. He exited the apartment, walked downstairs, and was taken into custody without further incident.
Runyon was read his Miranda rights and denied hitting the victim. He was transported to the Lawrence County Security Center for booking.
Emergency responders provided the victim with resources from the Red Barn/RBR Alliance for protective orders and domestic violence support services.
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.
