ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A Ross County man faced a preliminary hearing today after being arrested and charged with domestic violence, unlawful restraint, and criminal damaging. The charges stemmed from a domestic dispute that took place on April 2, according to police reports.
The dispute began as an argument between the man and his pregnant girlfriend, who had been residing together. The woman, 14 weeks pregnant, alleged that the man, Dana James, rammed her car as she returned home to collect her belongings.
James then reportedly prevented the woman from entering their residence, physically confronting her on the porch. The situation escalated, with James allegedly slapping the woman and breaking her glasses, leaving her with visible bruises on her face and stomach, as noted by deputies who responded to the scene.
James was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Ross County Jail, while the woman declined medical assistance, opting to seek care through her family.
Reports indicate that James claimed his live-in girlfriend was the aggressor, alleging that she became violent with him first, and that he acted in self-defense.
James remains out on bond, and a court date for his next appearance has yet to be scheduled.
