Scott County man charged in severe beating of pregnant woman

BENTON, Mo. -- A Haywood City, Mo., has been arrested in connection with an alleged beating of a 26-year-old woman, according to a Scott County Sheriff's Department news release.

Jim "Bug" Harris Jr., 49, is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and armed criminal action. His bond has been set at $100,000.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, the sheriff's department received a report Wednesday night that a 26-year-old woman was at the hospital with severe head injuries that she received at her Haywood City home. The victim, who is seven months pregnant, reported that someone broke into her home and pistol whipped her.

When investigators responded to crime scene, they found a massive amount of blood throughout the inside of the residence along with human hair and indications that there had been an altercation inside the residence, the news release said.

Harris became a suspect and was arrested by the Charleston Department of Public Safety.

Walter said blood found inside Harris' vehicle and on his clothes is believed to be that of the victim.

Walter said the victim was flown to a St. Louis hospital Wednesday night in critical condition but understands her condition has since been updated to stable.