Newton man arrested for second offense domestic abuse

A Newton man has been arrested after striking a victim who was holding a child.

Melvin G. Hawkins, Jr., 57, was charged with second-offense domestic abuse assault and child endangerment following an incident at 4:57 p.m. Jan. 6 in the 2200 block of South Eighth Avenue East. According to the criminal complaint, the Newton Police Department were dispatched on a report of a domestic situation.

The report states Hawkins physically assaulted the victim, causing injury to the victim’s face. The victim was holding a small child at the time of the assault placing the child in danger of immediate harm.

Hawkins has a previous domestic assault conviction in 2009. A no contact order was requested by the victim.

Hawkins was arrested and transported to the Jasper County Jail where he was released on $3,000 cash or surety bond. His preliminary hearing will be at 9 a.m. Jan. 13.