Burglary victim faces domestic assault charge

After first beating up a suspected burglar, a Cape Girardeau man now sits in county jail on domestic assault charges.

John Henry Harris II, 20, was arrested Thursday and charged with second-degree assault for allegedly attacking Chasity R. Pehm.

Police responded to a call shortly before 2:30 a.m. Thursday at Southeast Missouri Hospital, where Pehm was receiving treatment. She told police the couple were arguing when Harris punched her, grabbed her by the hair and hit her twice more.

Last week, Pehm and Harris were awakened by a burglar in their Spanish Street apartment in the early morning hours of May 30.

Harris told police he beat the man, Kristoffer E. Ponzar, and dragged him down the apartment house stairs. Ponzar, 29, of Cape Girardeau was charged with burglary and assault in connection with the complaint.

Harris remains in custody on a $7,500 cash-only bond. He has prior a conviction for robbery.