Man charged with domestic assault, kidnapping

Jacob Roger Wright, 28, of Gainesville, was released on his own recognizance during a March 18 hearing before Associate Judge Raymond Gross in connection with a case in which he’s charged with domestic assault, kidnapping and property damage. He is scheduled for a criminal setting April 23. He was originally arrested March 8 and held in custody until his release Monday.

According to the probable cause statement, prepared by Ozark County Deputy Vesa Phelan, at 11:35 p.m. March 5, he and fellow officer Deputy Jeffrey Lane, were dispatched to the victim’s residence in Gainesville for domestic assault. 

Once on scene, Phelan spoke with the victim, who reportedly told the officers that her boyfriend, Jacob Wright, had been abusing her for several months and she wanted to end the relationship. She said when she told him, he became enraged, which lead to more physical and emotional violence.

“When asked what he had done, she explained Jacob had locked her and her youngest son (3 years old) in a bathroom which prevented her from leaving. Jacob eventually let the pair out of the bathroom where he became physically violent by pushing her against a wall, held her to the floor, strangled her by the neck with his hands while threatening to kill her in front of her three children, causing them extreme emotional distress. Jacob further broke her phone to prevent her from calling for help,” the report says. 

The victim was able to get away from him, the report says, and she secured a firearm to protect herself and her children. Wright then left the area. The woman said he began harassing her the following morning and later the next day.