• Shane R. Borrego, 33, of Newton, was charged with criminal mischief March 27 for allegedly slashing the tire of a vehicle in the parking lot north of the Dollar General. At about 11:15 a.m., Newton Police Department was dispatched to the 2600 block of First Avenue East. Officers were advised that two males — a short male wearing a gray, hooded sweatshirt; and a tall male wearing a red, hooded sweatshirt — were observed slashing the rear passenger tire of a black, 2005 Mercury Sable. The victim was notified of the crime while inside the Dollar General and told officers they didn’t know who the individual was. The victim said the tire was recently purchased from Cappy’s for $100. Officers made contact with the man wearing the gray, hooded sweatshirt, identified as Borrego. Police reports say Borrego denied being the one who slashed the tire. After speaking to the witness, they confirmed with police Borrego had slashed the tire.
• Jareth W. Klages, 26, of Des Moines, was charged with domestic abuse assault April 2 for an incident that occurred at Git-N-Go in Newton. At about 11:30 p.m., Newton Police Department were dispatched to the business near the 800 block of First Avenue West for a possible assault. When police arrived, they met with the victim who said Klages had grabbed her by the throat and threw her against the wall. Officers noticed a redness around the victim’s throat consistent with a human hand. The victim and Klages had been intimate in the past six months. The victim also requested a no-contact order on Klages, who was taken into custody.
• Michael A. Suiter, 25, of Newton, was arrested on a Jasper County warrant for probation violation after being pulled over for a traffic violation at about 5:05 p.m. April 1 in the 500 block of First Avenue West. According to police records, Suiter violated his probation on original charges for controlled substance violation and dominion/control of firearm/offensive weapon by felon. Officers attempted to pull over Suiter for failure to display registration plates. Suiter entered a driveway and exited the vehicle. After refusing to obey commands from officers, Suiter ran on foot. However, he was later located by law enforcement and identified. Suiter was charged with driving while having a barred license.
• Melvin G. Hawkins, 58, of Newton, was arrested at about 12:22 p.m. April 1 at the 1300 block of West 18th Street South on a Jasper County warrant for failure to appear for a pretrial hearing. According to police records, Hawkins did now show to the hearing for his original charges of child endangerment and domestic assault. Hawkins has since been taken to jail.
• Jasmine K. Morales, 27, of Newton, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia April 4 and was reportedly an unwanted guest in another person’s home. At about 4:24 p.m., Newton Police Department was dispatched to the 300 block of West Third Street North in reference to the unwanted guest. Jasper County Dispatch advised officers one of the unwanted guests had threatened the person who reported them with a knife. Officers made contact with the reporting party, who did not want anything done with the threats but wanted the unwanted guests to leave. Officers made contact with one of the unwanted guests, Morales, and observed a clear glass pipe commonly used for methamphetamine consumption, with residue sitting in plain view on a red plastic tote next to her. Morales was asked about the pipe and told officers it belonged to the other unwanted guest. Officers also located a large glass bong and a small glass bong — both commonly used to consume marijuana — with residue behind the red tote. Morales admitted to being the owner of the small glass bong but denied ownership of the larger device.