Hot Springs man allegedly leaves girlfriend with 'serious injuries'

Lawson
Lawson

A Hot Springs man was arrested Saturday for allegedly causing serious injuries to his girlfriend's face after she refused his sexual advances.

Andrew Nikolas Lawson, 29, who lists a Higdon Ferry Road address, was taken into custody at around 4:30 p.m. Saturday and charged with third-degree domestic battery, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

He remained in custody on zero bond, and was scheduled for an arraignment Monday in Garland County District Court.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Hot Springs police responded to Lawson's residence in reference to a battery and spoke with the girlfriend, who had serious injuries to her face and nose.

She told officers that they were drinking alcohol prior to an argument that broke out after she denied his sexual advances. She said Lawson began slapping her on both sides of her face before leaving.

Lawson returned around 45 minutes later, and allegedly dragged her off the bed and continued assaulting her. She told officers Lawson placed both hands around her neck and began choking her before he started punching her in the face and whipping the backs of her legs with a cellphone charging cord.

As she attempted to free herself, Lawson allegedly placed his hand over her mouth to obstruct her airway. Eventually, she was able to free herself and hide in the bathroom until Lawson calmed down. Lawson was reportedly not on the property when officers arrived.

Lawson was later located by officers in the 100 block of Crawford Street and taken into custody.

Local on 10/31/2017

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