La Grande man arrested on multiple charges in domestic violence case
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from the La Grande Police Department) On November 5, 2024, at approximately 10:29 a.m., the La Grande Police Department received a report of an assault involving 23-year-old Sydney Kunzler of La Grande. The incident reportedly occurred during a domestic dispute with Rodrick Fullersmith Jr., 25, also of La Grande. Kunzler, who is 37 weeks pregnant, was transported by the reporting party to Grande Ronde Hospital prior to police arrival.
Upon making contact with Kunzler, officers observed injuries, including significant contusions on her head. Kunzler reported that Fullersmith Jr. had picked her up earlier that morning from her father’s residence to take their son to school. During the drive, a series of escalating arguments culminated in Fullersmith Jr. allegedly threatening to abandon Kunzler in a remote area. A physical altercation reportedly ensued on Buchanan Lane, during which Kunzler attempted to escape the vehicle, breaking a window while calling for help. Fullersmith Jr. allegedly struck her multiple times with a hairbrush, causing visible injuries and significant distress. The report indicates that Fullersmith Jr. was aware of Kunzler’s pregnancy during the alleged assault.
Fullersmith Jr. also allegedly violated a no-contact order in place with Kunzler. Officers initiated a search and subsequently located Fullersmith Jr. at Timber Ridge Apartments, where he was arrested without further incident. Fullersmith Jr. has been booked into the Union County Correctional Facility on the following charges:
• Assault I
• Menacing
• Violation of Release Agreement
• Kidnapping I
• Interfering with Making a Report
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Special Victims Detective Jones at 541-963-1017.
