Bond set for Laurel man charged with domestic aggravated assault

JONES COUNTY, MS. - A 26-year-old man is charged with Domestic Aggravated Assault after deputies responded to a welfare check in Jones County.

Authorities said David Blackwell of Laurel beat and chocked his 7 month pregnant girlfriend over several days.

Allyson Knotts with the Jones County Sheriff's Department said, "On July 9 Jones County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a welfare concern at the residence of David Blackwell. A concerned citizen had contacted authorities in reference to Blackwell’s girlfriend and her well-being."

When deputies arrived at Blackwell's residents he attempted to flee on foot. "Deputies knocked on the camper door several times with no answer, then noticed the blinds in the window move" said Knotts.

She added, "Again, deputies called out to Blackwell and he responded saying, 'give me a minute to get some clothes.'"

According to Knotts immediately after, a loud scraping sound was heard, coming from behind the camper and Blackwell jumped out of a window and attempted to flee on foot.

"After a brief pursuit, Blackwell was taken into custody" Knotts said. "The victim, who is seven months pregnant, was on the premises and appeared to have several bruises."

"She reported Blackwell had beaten and choked her over the last several days. The victim received medical attention" Knotts added.

Blackwell's bond is set at $50,000.