Albert Lea man faces charge of felony domestic assault

Published 9:34 am Wednesday, November 23, 2016

An Albert Lea man who allegedly injured a woman in a domestic incident last week was charged with a felony Friday in Freeborn County District Court.

Nicholas Lee Tuttle, 34, is charged with felony domestic assault.

Court documents state Albert Lea police officers were dispatched at about 1 a.m. Thursday to the emergency room on a report of an assault.

Nicholas Lee Tuttle

Nicholas Lee Tuttle

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The alleged victim reported that Tuttle was under the influence of methamphetamine and was becoming increasingly violent and had tried to make her perform a sex act when she had attempted to leave their residence.

Court documents state when she refused, Tuttle punched her in the left eye, causing her to black out for a few seconds.

An officer reportedly observed that the alleged victim’s left eye was red, swollen and becoming bruised.

Court documents state officers saw Tuttle later that day at the residence. Tuttle reportedly said he had kicked the alleged victim out of the house the night before and had pushed her away from him. He denied punching her, and he claimed she could have been injured as she tried to leave the house.

Court documents state Tuttle then became verbally combative with officers and slammed the door on them, barricading himself on the inside of the door and only opening the door after officers threatened to break a window to gain entry into the house.

Tuttle was convicted of terroristic threats in April 2007 and felony domestic assault in July 2011.

Tuttle’s next court appearance is scheduled for today. Felony domestic assault carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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