Police: Man attacks women, child then chases woman with butcher knife

A Columbia man is behind bars after he allegedly assaulted a woman and her baby, then chased the woman with a butcher knife.

Officers were called to a home in the 500 block of Pear Tree Circle around 4 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a disturbance.

Police say 45-year-old Joseph L. Bradford forced his way into the home and chased two women, ages 24 and 53, through the home. He then punched the 24-year-old woman and elbowed her one-year-old child in the head, according to officers.

Police say he then put the woman in a headlock and retrieved two steak knives form the kitchen, but did not use them.

Bradford left the home and came back with a butcher knife and tried to attacked the woman, but she was able to lock herself in a room.

When Bradford went outside, officers instructed him to get on the ground, but he refused and told police to shoot him. Officers eventually used a Taser on him and took him into custody.

Investigators say the 24-year-old woman suffered scratches and bumps while the toddler had a minor bump on his face. The 53-year-old woman did not have any injuries.

Bradford was arrested for armed criminal action, first-degree burglary, second-degree domestic assault, endangering the welfare of a child and a felony probation and parole warrant. His total bond has yet to be set.