Baker City man arrested for brutal domestic assault, pleaded guilty to choking same victim in 2023
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – A Baker City man remains in the county jail following a violent domestic assault on Sumpter Stage Highway. Christopher Garland Rowe, 33, faces multiple charges, including assault, strangulation, harassment, resisting arrest, and interfering with making a report, all in the presence of minors.
According to the police report, on August 15, Baker County deputies and Baker City police responded to a disturbance between Rowe and his girlfriend just after 7:30pm. Rowe allegedly grabbed the victim’s phone and pushed her to the ground, causing her to hit the back of her head, resulting in a large, painful swelling. The victim described the pain as intensifying over time and also recounted previous instances of abuse, including being strangled multiple times by Rowe. She stated that during the most recent assault, Rowe placed his hands around her neck for several seconds, restricting her breathing and causing significant pain.
The incident occurred in the presence of the couple’s three minor children, who were outside during part of the altercation. Rowe’s parents were at the scene and confirmed seeing Rowe on top of the victim and attempting to choke her before they intervened.
When law enforcement arrived, Rowe attempted to flee but eventually returned to the house, where he was found hugging his daughters. Deputies ordered him to comply, but Rowe resisted arrest by tensing his arms and trying to pull away. After a brief struggle, officers subdued Rowe and placed him in custody at approximately 7:48 p.m.
Rowe remains in the Baker County Jail and now facing charges of fourth-degree assault, strangulation, harassment, resisting arrest, and interfering with making a report, all related to domestic violence in the presence of minors.
According to court records, Rowe pleaded guilty to choking the same victim in 2023.
