William Board, 37, of Bellefontaine, was charged with abduction, criminal damaging and negligent assault following a domestic dispute that escalated early Thursday morning, Jan. 9, and reportedly also involved extensive damage to the victim’s car.
Officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department responded to a call on Jan. 9 at approximately 3:40 p.m., where they spoke with the victim, who reported she’d been attacked by her ex-boyfriend about 12 hours earlier. She told officers the altercation began around 3:30 a.m. at Board’s residence in the 300 block of Walnut Street.
The victim explained she had gone to Board’s home to retrieve her belongings following the end of their relationship a week prior. The defendant reportedly locked the door and forcibly restrained her by pulling her arms and taking her belongings to prevent her from leaving. After an extended struggle, the victim managed to escape the residence.
As she attempted to leave, Board reportedly followed her outside with a baseball bat, yelling that she would not be allowed to leave. The victim stated that Board struck her wrist with the bat as she tried to protect her car from being damaged.
The victim further reported that a struggle ensued over her car keys before she was able to start her vehicle and close the door. At that point, Board allegedly struck her windshield with the bat, causing significant damage. The victim then fled the scene and later contacted a victim’s advocate before reporting the incident to authorities.
Officers documented the victim’s injuries and damage to her vehicle, including a smashed windshield, both of which were consistent with her account.
When officers visited Board’s residence, he admitted to breaking the victim’s windshield with the bat but denied the other allegations. Board was arrested and transported to the Logan County Jail. The baseball bat used in the incident was seized and logged as evidence.