A 28-year-old Arkansas man has been arrested and accused of kicking his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach amid a heated disagreement about her fuel use. According to court filings, Justin James Coddington faces one count of third-degree domestic violence.
According to a probable cause affidavit, at 7:18 p.m. on May 27, 2024, deputies from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance report at a residence in the 40 block of Sunchase Court.
When first responders arrived at the site, they spoke with the victim, who stated that the incident started with her and her boyfriend, whom she identified as Coddington, arguing about “fuel use,” according to police.
The woman said detectives that Coddington then called their children “a profane name.” When she warned him “not to speak like that about their children,” he allegedly pushed her. The woman stated that he followed the push “with a kick to her stomach,” according to the affidavit.
According to investigators, the question regarding gasoline usage arose after Coddington allowed a friend to borrow a car belonging to him and the victim.
“When questioned, Coddington became irate and aggressively rude. According to the affidavit, Coddington made some nasty statements about their children, and the victim ordered him to stop, which enraged him even more. “(The victim) was walking behind Coddington to the open door when he turned and pushed her. (The victim) stated before she could regain her balance. Coddington kicked her in the stomach. (The victim) has noticeable bruises on her lower stomach.”
Emergency medical personnel on the scene took the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment. The doctor who examined the victim informed her that the “only thing” that kept her child from being gravely wounded was that it was still in a “young stage of development” and her pelvic area was still shielding the fetus.
According to the police affidavit, the woman sustained “visible bruising on her lower stomach” as a result of the kick.
Authorities charged Coddington with domestic assault, a crime after he allegedly willfully inflicted physical harm to a pregnant woman.
Coddington was taken to the Baxter County Detention Center and freed after posting a $5,000 bond. He has pled not guilty and is due to face trial on the battery accusation in December 2024, according to documents.
According to Ozark Radio News, the victim requested that the court lift or amend the no-contact order, enabling Coddington to see her and their children. The judge reportedly denied Coddington’s plea for visitation but allowed him and the victim to speak on the phone.