Columbia police arrest man accused of beating a woman multiple times

Columbia police arrested Jeffery Lemley early Thursday morning after officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Fir Place in reference to a fight in the middle of the street.

A female victim told police she picked up Lemley from work and he was upset. The victim said Lemley got into the driver’s seat, intoxicated, and backed into a pole.

The victim told police that Lemley proceeded to drive fast on I-70, then pulled over to the shoulder and lunged at the victim and began punching her in the head several times, causing bruising to her left eye.

Police said the victim was able to get away, but Lemley relocated her. He charged at the victim and knocked her to the ground, and began to punch her in her head.

Lemley left the area when a witness warned him that police were on their way, officers said.

Lemley was arrested a couple of hours later and faces possible charges of domestic assault, felonious restraint and operating a motor vehicle with a revoked license.