Assault suspect's remark leads to additional charges

A man faces drug and assault charges after a Saturday incident in Perry County.

Joshua Buza, 31, of Perryville, Missouri, is charged with second-degree domestic assault, a felony, and possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.

Just after 10 p.m. Saturday, Kristi Whitis called authorities, saying Buza, her nephew, was beating his wife at their home, according to a probable-cause statement.

As the officer was en route, Whitis called back, saying Buza had come to her house. When Whitis told him she'd called police, Buza then allegedly threatened to go back and beat his wife more.

The officer arrived at Whitis' house to find the victim inside. She told the officer Joshua Buza had punched her in the face, screamed at her, grabbed her by the hair and pushed her head against a car window.

In his statement, the officer said he saw red marks on her neck and left eye, and the victim's left cheek was swollen.

Joshua Buza had gone to a wooded area near their home. He was found shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday and taken to Perry County Memorial Hospital to be examined to see whether he was fit for confinement, according to the statement.

While walking into the hospital, Joshua Buza asked officers whether they had found the baggie of marijuana in his bedroom. His wife consented to a search of the bedroom, where a small baggie of marijuana and metal pipe with residue inside were found in a nightstand, according to the statement.

Joshua Buza's bond has been set at $10,000 cash only.

Pertinent address:

88 Trails End Lane, Perry County, MO