A Idaho Falls chiropractor is facing criminal charges after authorities say he yanked a woman out of her own vehicle and later slapped his two children across the face, telling investigators he struck them "due to their continued disrespect."
Background
Brady Fielding, 39, was arrested twice within months on domestic violence-related charges in Bonneville County, according to the Idaho Falls Police Department and court documents obtained by East Idaho News.
The first incident unfolded April 12 when deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence. A woman told investigators she and her five children were loading into a white Chevrolet Suburban for a birthday party when Fielding demanded the vehicle, claiming he needed it to pick up a kitchen table, according to court documents.
When the woman refused to hand over the keys, Fielding allegedly tried to take her purse, phone, and keys. She pushed him away, authorities said. He then approached the front passenger side where a girl was sitting and attempted to take her cellphone before returning to the driver's side, successfully grabbing the woman's keys and driving off in another car.
He returned shortly after and "pulled (the woman) out of the vehicle by her upper arm," leaving a dark red mark, court documents state. After removing her from the SUV, Fielding got behind the wheel and backed up with the doors still open as some children attempted to exit, investigators said. Once all five children were out, he drove away again.
The Charges
On April 27, a warrant was issued for Fielding's arrest on one count of domestic battery without traumatic injury against a household member. He was arrested, booked, and released the same day.
The second set of charges arose from an incident June 20. When officers responded to a physical disturbance call at around 10:40 p.m., children told investigators that Fielding "lost his temper" and slapped a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl in the face with an open hand, according to court documents.
When questioned by police, Fielding allegedly said his children were being "disrespectful" to him and his girlfriend. He claimed he was trying to discuss rules and discipline when the situation "escalated," authorities said. He told officers he "did not strike them hard enough to leave any marks" and that his intent was merely to "get their attention rather than cause pain."
Fielding now faces two counts of injury to a child in addition to the domestic battery charge.
Key Takeaways
- Brady Fielding, 39, is charged with one count of domestic battery without traumatic injury and two counts of injury to a child
- The first incident involved a custody dispute over vehicle keys that escalated when Fielding allegedly pulled the woman from her SUV by her upper arm
- In the second incident, Fielding admitted to slapping his 12-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter "due to their continued disrespect," according to court documents
- A woman told investigators Fielding had never been physically abusive before but had been "manipulatively abusive" and controlling with finances
- All five children provided statements consistent with the woman's account of the April incident
What's Next
Fielding is scheduled to appear in court July 22 for arraignment on the domestic battery charge related to the vehicle incident. He faces a separate appearance August 19 for the child injury charges stemming from the June altercation.