BUCKHANNON – A Rock Cave man has been arrested for domestic battery second offense after allegedly hitting a pregnant woman in the head with a broom.

Brian Chidester, 26, of Rock Cave was arrested Sunday, April 28, according to the complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office.

Investigating officer Deputy Tyler Gordon with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call regarding a physical domestic altercation Sunday on Rock Cave Road.

Upon arrival, Gordon spoke with Chidester as he was leaving the residence in a green Ford pickup truck. Chidester stated that he and his girlfriend had gotten into a verbal argument.

Upon speaking with the victim, Gordon observed a large bloody wound on the rear of her head that appeared to be fresh.

The victim said Chidester had allegedly become angry because there was no ice cream at the residence. She shoved him away and threw a pot of cold water on Chidester, who allegedly grabbed a broom and struck her in the head, causing the wound.

Two witnesses corroborated the victim’s statement, saying they both saw Chidester strike the woman in the head with a broom handle, according to the complaint. The victim and Chidester live in the residence together and the victim is currently pregnant with Chidester’s child.

Chidester has a previous domestic battery conviction from 2013, according to the complaint.

Bail was set at $20,000. If convicted, Chidester faces 60 days to one year in jail and or a fine up to $1,000.