A 54-year-old Centralia man has been charged in Marion County Court with five offenses following a Thursday evening incident where a 21-year-old Centralia woman fell off the top of his car following a domestic dispute.
Jarcus Croft of North Elm Street was charged with aggravated domestic battery for driving a vehicle with her on top in such a way she was flung off the vehicle onto the road causing her to bleed profusely from the head. He was also charged with aggravated reckless driving and reckless conduct for rapidly accelerating while turning left while the alleged victim was on the top of the car. Croft also faces a charge of possession of a controlled substance for allegedly having fentanyl in his possession. A misdemeanor charge of domestic battery was also filed. Croft faces extended terms if found guilty of aggravated reckless driving, reckless conduct, and controlled substances due to past convictions.
Centralia Police say they found the alleged victim lying in the road at Jackson and Maulding with a severe laceration to the back of her head and complaining of back and neck pain. She was taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. The woman told police the man involved was her boyfriend.
Judge Mark Stedelin rejected a request to hold Croft without bond pending his next court appearance. Instead, he was released on pre-trial conditions that included an order to stay away from the victim. The public defender was appointed to represent him. A preliminary hearing was set for September 12th.
