Couple arguing over 'fuel use' ends with boyfriend kicking pregnant girlfriend in the stomach: Sheriff

Justin James Coddington (Baxter County Sheriff’s Office)

A 28-year-old man in Arkansas has been arrested and accused of kicking his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach during an argument over her use of fuel. Justin James Coddington is charged with one count of third-degree domestic battering, court documents reviewed by Law&Crime show.

According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office at about 7:18 p.m. on May 27, 2024, responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence in the 40 block of Sunchase Court.

Upon arriving at the scene, first responders made contact with the victim who said that the incident began with her and her boyfriend — whom she identified as Coddington — arguing over “fuel use,” police said.

The victim told investigators that Coddington then called their children “a profane name.” When she told him “not to speak like that about their children,” he allegedly responded by pushing her. He followed the push “with a kick to her stomach,” the victim said, per the affidavit.

The question about fuel usage came up because Coddington had let a friend borrow a car belonging to him and the victim, police said.

“When questioned, Coddington became angry and verbally abusive. Coddington made some derogatory remarks toward their children and (the victim) told him to stop, angering him more,” the affidavit states. “(The victim) was behind Coddington walking toward the open door when he turned and pushed her. (The victim) said before she could regain her balance Coddington kicked her in the stomach. (The victim) has visible bruising on her lower stomach.”

Emergency medical personnel on the scene transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment. The doctor who saw the victim told her the “only thing” that saved her child from being seriously injured was the fact that it was still in a “young stage of development” and her pelvic area was still protecting the fetus.

Police noted in the affidavit that the victim suffered “visible bruising on her lower stomach” as a result of the kick.

Authorities said that Coddington intentionally caused physical harm to a woman he knew to be pregnant and charged him with domestic battering, a felony.

Coddington was transported to the Baxter County Detention Center and was released after posting $5,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently scheduled to go to trial on the battery charge in December 2024, records show.

According to a report from Ozark Radio News, the victim asked the court to lift or modify a no-contact order allowing Coddington to see her and their children. The judge reportedly rejected the request for visitation but allowed Coddington and the victim to speak on the phone.

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