NPD officer on leave following domestic assault arrest

A Newton Police officer is on leave pending an investigation into domestic assault charges.

Dustin S. Hamell, 29, is accused of physically assaulting his fiance, with whom he has a child.

According to court records the two were in a physical altercation in which Hamell slammed a door on her arm while she was trying to get into their child’s room. He is also accused of pushing the victim twice — once in a hallway and another time in a bedroom against a dresser. The victim had bruises on her arm. He is charged with domestic abuse assualt.

Hamell has been an officer with the Newton Police Department for three years.

Acting Police Chief Wes Breckenridge said Monday the Newton Police Department was made aware of the criminal case July 29 after notification from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

Hamell has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending a full investigation.

“Domestic assault allegations are serious allegations that receive our full attention,” Breckenridge said.

Contact Abigail Pelzer at
641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or apelzer@newtondailynews.com