WARSAW — Kevin L. Howard, 23, 2441 West CR 250S, Warsaw, was taken into custody Thursday, June 16, and is being charged with a level 6 felony of battery with a child under 16 present and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.

A Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officer, Rick Oliver responded to a domestic disturbance Saturday, June 11. Assisting Oliver were Deputy Jim Smith and Winona Lake Officer John Leeper.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Oliver talked with Taylor Junell Lynn Whitfield, who stated during an argument between herself and Howard he became angry and hit her on the face. Oliver observed Whitfield had a swollen eye. Oliver also noticed scratches, scrapes and cuts on both of Taylor’s shoulders and right knee, which Taylor told Oliver were the result of the fight.

Whitfield told Leeper Howard had taken her cell phone to prevent her from calling 911.

Smith talked with Howard who reported Whitfield had bitten his arm. Smith observed the fresh bite mark on Howard’s left forearm.

There were two minors present at the time of this altercation. The officers arrested an intoxicated Whitfield for domestic battery and left the children in the care of the sober Howard, who was told by the officers he would be charged with domestic battery at a later date.

Howard is being held on a $5,250 surety and cash bond.