A 24-year-old man was arrested on several charges Saturday, December 23, following a domestic incident in Muscatine.
Officers from the Muscatine Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance occurring at 210 East 2nd Street, Apartment #2, shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday. Officers could hear the raised voices of a male and female coming from inside the apartment on their arrival at the scene.
Officers noted that the female sounded in distress and could be heard calling out for help. The doors to the apartment were locked and officers were not able to get any response from the occupants inside the apartment.
Believing the female needed immediate assistance, the officers began trying to force their way into the apartment. One of the officers broke a window and was able to reach the interior lock on the door. After entry was gained, officers discovered a male assaulting a female in the apartment. The male surrendered peacefully and without incident.
Austin Lee Darnell, 24 (DOB 07/08/1999), was arrested and charged with Serious Domestic Assault, False Imprisonment, and Interference with Official Acts causing injury. He was transported to the Muscatine County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.
During the process of breaking out the window, the officer severely cut one of his fingers against the broken glass. The officer was transported to the Trinity Emergency Center where he was treated and released. His injury will require follow up care before he can return to duty.
Darnell is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
