Gassville, AR. – 28-year-old Justin Coddington was arrested in late May for kicking his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach. He appeared in court and entered a not-guilty plea.
According to the original probable cause affidavit, Baxter County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in Gassville after receiving a report of domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies talked to the pregnant victim who stated that she and her boyfriend had gotten into an argument about fuel use. During this argument, she accused Coddington of calling their children a profane name, which she then asked him not to do. This allegedly made him angry causing him to push her and then kick her in the stomach. The victim was taken to Baxter Health and told that the “only thing that saved the baby she is carrying from serious injury was that it was still at an early stage of development, the pelvic area had protected it.” She was also reported to have visible bruising in her stomach area.
The victim also recently appeared in court to ask that the no-contact order be lifted or modified so she could see or talk to Coddington. The judge did allow phone access but no visitation.
Coddington is still being held on a bond of $15,000.
