Columbia man arrested for endangering welfare of child, domestic assault

Columbia police officers were called to a disturbance at 1600 Broadway East, the address for Boone Hospital, on Nov. 24.

James Mathews was staying at the hospital and wanted to leave with a child. According to the release, Mathews struck the female victim with a closed fist, causing her nose and lip to bleed.

The victim had a six-month-old child in her possession when Mathews struck her.

The release goes on to say that the victim reported Mathews took both of her cell phones without her permission. The victim said Mathews had her only set of vehicle keys on him and that he was allegedly attempting to leave the property without her consent to take the car.

Mathews and the victim were in an intimate relationship.

Mathews was arrested for misdemeanor fourth degree domestic assault, second degree endangering the welfare of a child in the felony stealing and second degree tampering.