Idaho Falls, Idaho — An Idaho chiropractor has been charged in two separate domestic violence cases after authorities alleged he forcibly removed a woman from an SUV during one incident and later slapped two of his children during another confrontation.
According to court documents, 39-year-old Brady Fielding faces one count of domestic battery without traumatic injury against a household member and two counts of injury to a child following incidents that occurred in April and June.
The allegations are contained in criminal charging documents, and the charges have not been proven in court.
Woman Says Argument Over SUV Turned Physical
According to investigators, deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance at an Idaho Falls residence on April 12.
The woman told deputies she was preparing to take her five children to a birthday party when Fielding allegedly demanded to use the family’s Chevrolet Suburban so he could pick up a kitchen table.
After she refused to hand over the vehicle or the keys, authorities say Fielding allegedly attempted to take her purse, phone and keys.
Investigators allege the confrontation escalated as Fielding tried to take a cellphone from one of the children before briefly leaving the property with the vehicle keys.
Police Allege Woman Was Pulled From Vehicle
According to court records, Fielding later returned to the home and allegedly grabbed the woman by her upper arm and pulled her from the driver’s seat of the SUV.
Investigators say the incident left a dark red mark on her arm.
Authorities further allege that after getting behind the wheel, Fielding backed the SUV while its doors remained open as several children attempted to get out of the vehicle.
Eventually, all five children exited safely before Fielding drove away, according to investigators.
The woman reportedly told deputies that although she had never previously experienced physical violence from Fielding, she believed he had been controlling and financially manipulative during their relationship.
Several of the children also gave statements that investigators said generally matched the woman’s account.
Second Investigation Centers on Children
Less than three months later, officers responded to another reported disturbance involving Fielding.
According to police, the incident occurred on June 20, when officers were called to a residence after reports of a physical confrontation.
Investigators say two children reported that Fielding lost his temper and slapped both of them across the face. One child also alleged that Fielding pushed her, causing her to fall onto a bed.
According to court documents, Fielding allegedly acknowledged striking the children with an open hand, telling investigators he was attempting to discipline them after they were being “disrespectful.”
Police say he allegedly stated he “did not strike them hard enough to leave any marks” and claimed his intention was to get their attention rather than hurt them.
Court Hearings Scheduled
Authorities issued a warrant after the April incident, and Fielding was arrested, booked and later released.
Following the June investigation, he was cited, released and formally charged in connection with the allegations involving the children.
Fielding is scheduled to appear in court on July 22 regarding the April domestic battery case and again on Aug. 19 for the child injury charges.
The allegations outlined in the charging documents represent the prosecution’s claims. Fielding is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should penalties be tougher in domestic violence cases involving children, or should courts focus more on counseling and intervention programs? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
