Alva Review-Courier -

According to Alva Police, a young man being arrested for domestic assault escaped custody, leading to a foot pursuit. He managed to elude officers but was located later and taken to jail.

Court records show on Thursday, April 25, at 3:05 a.m. Alva Police Officer Jayce Cline was dispatched to the 900 block of Church Street for a physical domestic incident in progress. When the officer arrived he spoke with Matthew Hansel, noticing blood on Hansel’s hands and a blood smear on the front door of the residence. He asked what happened, and Hansel said nothing was going on. He said he and his girlfriend just had an argument. Cline asked how he got blood on his hand, and Hansel responded that he didn’t know.

The girlfriend stepped out through the door, and Cline noticed she had a bruised and bloody face in the nose and lip region. When asked if Hansel hit her, the girlfriend nodded yes. She showed Cline where they were in the living room when Hansel hit her. The couple’s baby was lying on the couch in the living room.

Cline handcuffed Hansel behind his back. At the patrol vehicle, Cline opened the door to put Hansel inside. Hansel ran away heading north of the residence. Cline chased him, telling him to stop. Hansel continued to run, and Cline lost sight of him.

Cline went back to the residence to talk to the girlfriend, noticing she had wiped the blood off her face before photos could be taken. She said she had pictures and a video of right after it happened and agreed to email them to Cline.

Assistant Police Chief Patrick Hawley was notified and came to assist in locating Hansel. After several hours of patrolling, the officers were unable to find Hansel.

Later in the morning, Hansel was picked up by Hawley and Officer Shane Callahan.

Matthew Dane Hansel, 22, of Alva, has been charged with domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor – second subsequent offense, a felony. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to four years and/or up to a $5,000 fine.

Hansel is also charged with the misdemeanor of escape from arrest or detention. This crime is punishable by up to one year in imprisonment and/or a fine up to $500.