OOLITIC— An Oolitic man was arrested after the Oolitic Town Marshal responded to a domestic dispute report.
Michael Collins, a 37-year-old resident of 226 Hoosier Ave, was arrested on October 23, 2024, following allegations of domestic battery. The incident was reported to the Oolitic Marshal’s Office, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
According to the affidavit filed by Marshal Duckett, the domestic battery complaint was received around 1:05 p.m. on the same day, with the female victim reported to be at IU Health Bedford Hospital’s emergency department. Upon arrival, Marshal Duckett observed the woman with visible signs of injury, including dried blood on her face, hands, and feet.
She told officers the incident began at approximately 12:30 p.m. when Michael Collins, 37, returned to their home on Hoosier Avenue in Oolitic. She stated that he appeared intoxicated and began yelling accusations that she was keeping their children from him. During the altercation, she alleged that Michael struck her in the face multiple times, causing significant injury, including what she believed to be a broken nose. She attempted to escape through the back door but was pushed by Michael, who exited the residence.
After the incident, the woman contacted her mother, who promptly came to the house and transported her to the hospital for treatment.
The woman informed officers that she had previously separated from Michael and was in the process of filing for divorce.
Following the investigation, Officer Duckett obtained consent from the woman to search their home. Upon entering the residence, he discovered what appeared to be blood spatter in the kitchen area, further supporting the claims of violence.
Michael Collins was at his workplace with the Town of Oolitic Street Department. After being read about his Miranda rights, he spoke with officers, denying the allegations and claiming that he had not seen any injuries on the woman. However, evidence gathered during the investigation included text messages from the woman to Michael, indicating her injuries, and video footage from local cameras placing Michael’s town-owned truck at the scene shortly after the incident.
Marshall Duckett administered a portable breath test to Michael, which returned a positive result for alcohol. He was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail on charges of domestic battery.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
