SURPRISE, AZ — Surprise police found four children who ran from their home as their mother was being beaten by her husband.
Surprise police report that on December 16 around 8 p.m. they were called to a home near Litchfield and Greenway roads.
When officers got on scene they found 38-year-old James Robert Decker with blood on his shirt, jeans, and hands.
Inside the home, police reportedly found his severely injured wife. Police say Decker punched her to the point of unconsciousness, as four frightened children ran from the home.
Police had to search the area to locate the children.
Court records show that the victim suffered from missing teeth, swollen eyes, and an orbital fracture.
Police said there was also nearly $4,000 in damage done inside the home.
Decker reportedly told police that his wife, "emotionally pushed him over the edge."
Decker is being held on a $200,000 bond on multiple counts of aggravated assault.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic or sexual violence, there are several local and national organizations offering resources. Anyone in need of immediate assistance should contact either the Maricopa County Shelter Line at 480-890-3039, the National 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at 602-279-2900. A number of organizations are available 24 hours a day for anyone at risk of experiencing domestic or sexual violence. See a directory of domestic violence programs here.
