Cottonwood AZ (June 5, 2020) – Honorable Michael Bluff of the Yavapai County Superior Court has sentenced a 38-year old Cottonwood man to five years in prison for acts of domestic violence. On June 1, 2020, Ryan Christopher Wheeler was sentenced to the state prison on charges of Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage, and Resisting Arrest.
The events occurred on the morning of March 31, 2020, when Cottonwood Police Department officers responded to a physical domestic violence call in Cottonwood. On arrival, they found a female trapped inside a car while Wheeler was using a rock to break the car windows to reach her. Wheeler became combative with the officers and was taken into custody.
Officers learned Wheeler and the female victim had been arguing in their apartment about their relationship. Wheeler became violent, striking the victim, who is pregnant, and threatening to kill her unborn child. A friend arrived at the residence and, when they both tried to leave, Wheeler attacked the car, throwing a rock through the vehicle window and striking the pregnant victim. Wheeler also caused extensive damage to the vehicle.
Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, whose office prosecuted this case, reminds victims of domestic violence that help is available. “In January of this year,” said Polk, “a new online portal was created where victims can quickly and privately fill out the forms needed to apply for an Order of Protection at any Arizona court.” This free service can be accessed from any computer or smartphone. To get started, visit: https://azpoint.azcourts.gov/