Police say a Joplin man drove his ex-girlfriend to a hospital after allegedly assaulting her for several hours and told the medical staff that her injuries were caused by a fall.
Cpl. Chuck Niess of the Joplin Police Department said the man’s story fell apart when the girlfriend sought treatment at another hospital the next day. Police were called Friday regarding the injuries of Michelle Gustaitis, 28. Jimmie J. Scott, 36, was arrested a short time later and charged with second-degree domestic assault.
Niess said Scott between 4 and 9 p.m. Thursday allegedly pushed his way into Gustaitis’ home and assaulted her. He allegedly struck her several times in the head with his fists, kicked her in the face and stomach, and choked her. He then drove her to a hospital and explained her injuries as being the result of a fall down some stairs, Niess said.
