Lemoore man suspected of assault on woman, battery on police officers

Dell Baker
Dell Baker

A Lemoore man was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, false imprisonment, felony battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and possession of cannabis after police responded to a call of a male hitting and choking a female.

Police arrested 24-year-old Dell Baker on Tuesday, Dec. 16 after police responded to a residence on West Bush St. and contacted the victim, who said that she had an argument with the suspect.

According to police reports, Baker was upset because the victim had been talking to another male on Facebook. The victim told the officers that during the argument she was sitting on a couch and Baker grabbed the collar of her jacket and used it to choke her. Police say Baker then threw the victim on the floor.

She tried to run out the front door but he beat her to the door and locked it so she could not leave. Reports say he continued to throw her around the apartment until they ended up in a bedroom, where he is suspected of throwing her into the walls.

The victim said that the assault lasted for about 15 minutes before Baker left the residence. The victim then went to a neighbor and called the police. The victim had minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

According to police, Baker was outside the residence when they arrived. He told the officers that he had been in an argument with the victim but he never assaulted her. Based on their investigation, the officers told Baker that he was under arrest. Baker became loud and argumentative and when one of the officers put a handcuff on one wrist, Baker pulled his other hand away so the officer could not finish handcuffing him.

Baker refused multiple orders to comply with the officer as he tried to regain control of Baker. At one point Baker pulled his hand away from the officer so hard that the handcuff caused multiple lacerations on the officer’s hand.

Baker broke away from the officer and began quickly backing away, still refusing to submit to arrest. Baker fought with the officers as they tried to take him into custody, hitting one officer in the face. Baker was able to break free again and then fled on foot. One officer used his Taser to try to stop Baker but it was unsuccessful. Another officer arrived on scene and he also deployed his Taser as Baker fled but he missed.

Baker ran westbound on W. Bush Street and then northbound on N. 19th Avenue. Officers chased him and were able to catch up to him and take him into custody in the parking lot of another apartment complex. Police say he was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a small amount of concentrated cannabis.

Baker was booked at the Kings County Jail for domestic violence, false imprisonment, felony battery on a peace officer, misdemeanor battery on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and possession of concentrated cannabis. His bail was set at $140,000.

The two officers who were injured did not require medical treatment.            

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