March 18, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police Department

• Benjamin R. Martelli, 35, of Newton, is charged with assault after authorities were called at 10:53 p.m. Saturday to 1024 E. 12th St. N. Officers were called about an assault and spoke with the victim who alleged Martelli had assaulted her. She said he bullied her and forced her and her child to do what he wanted. That night, she said Martelli got upset because she got a cell phone. She said he punched her several times, unprovoked, on her right leg causing bruises. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Charles R. Trease, 38, of Kellogg, is charged with operating while under the influence, speeding and open container after authorities pulled him over at 1:59 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of East Eight Street North. Officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and after pulling the vehicle over identified Trease as the driver. He had slow, slurred speech and looked dazed. He also smelled of alcohol. He had a BAC of .121. He was cited and released to appear.

• Westland R. Spangenburg, 18, of Newton, is charged with first-degree harassment after authorities were called at 8:40 p.m. Sunday to Walmart. Officers were called about a report of harassment and spoke with the victim and two witnesses. The victim said he was leaving Walmart when he saw a red truck pull up next to his and saw Spangenburg exit the truck and begin to come towards him in an aggressive way. Spangenburg allegedly told the victim to get off the phone, that he was going to beat him, and “I will kill you.” The victim and both witnesses went into the store and called 911. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.