Desmond Potts, 31, allegedly held a knife to the stomach of a pregnant woman carrying twins and beat her so severely that she required an emergency cesarean section, according to court documents obtained by WAVE News.
Background
The attack occurred at the Louisville residence where Potts and the victim were living together. According to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office investigators, the incident began as a domestic argument on Thursday when Potts allegedly shoved his forehead into the victim's forehead before grabbing her and slamming her onto a couch.
A 9-year-old child present at the home attempted to intervene by jumping on Potts' back. Court documents state that Potts then grabbed the boy by his neck and pinned him against a wall.
The victim reportedly attempted to escape but was dragged back inside by Potts, who police say held a knife to her stomach and threatened to kill her and her unborn children.
The Investigation
After pulling the victim back into the home, Potts allegedly dragged her around the residence and slammed her onto the floor before taking her outside, where he dragged her down a flight of stairs. He then went after the 9-year-old again when the child returned with another juvenile and once more jumped on Potts' back.
A neighbor heard the disturbance and called police. Officers arrived to find the victim had fainted. She was rushed to a hospital where doctors discovered multiple serious injuries, including a ruptured placenta and a significant liver laceration that required an emergency C-section delivery of her twins.
Potts was arrested Friday and booked into Jefferson County Jail. The 9-year-old also reported neck pain following the attack.
Key Takeaways
- Desmond Potts, 31, has been charged with first-degree assault (domestic violence), first-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree wanton endangerment, fourth-degree assault (child abuse), third-degree terroristic threatening, and menacing.
- The victim sustained a ruptured placenta and liver laceration, requiring an emergency C-section at a local hospital.
- A 9-year-old child who attempted to intervene was allegedly grabbed by the neck and pinned against a wall twice during the attack.
What's Next
Potts remains in custody pending his preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 31. The condition of the woman and her twins has not been disclosed by authorities.