An Oran, Missouri, man is accused of hitting his girlfriend in the head in front of three children Monday in the 100 block of Elm Street in Oran.

Freddie C. Banks Sr., 43, was arrested Monday and charged with felony armed criminal action, first-degree felony domestic assault and misdemeanor property damage.

About 4:25 p.m., Scott County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Elm Street after a teenage caller said he saw a man hit his mother several times in the head, deputy Matt Scroggins wrote in a probable-cause statement.

The teenager said Banks hit his mother in the head, and he took his two other siblings and left the residence, Scroggins wrote.

Scroggins noted the victim had a swollen left eye, several red marks all over her face and neck and blood running down from the top of her head, according to the probable-cause statement. When Scroggins attempted to talk to Banks, he screamed and cursed at the officer and eventually was placed in handcuffs, Scroggins wrote.

The victim said Banks punched her several times in the face and hit her in the head with a hammer, according to the probable-cause statement.

The victim said she was unsure how many times she was hit because she lost consciousness, Scroggins wrote. The victim was taken to Missouri Delta Medical Center.

Scott County Sheriff's Department public information officer Dane Stausing said the victim suffered at least a concussion, but there could be more severe injuries.

Scroggins noted there were fresh bloody clothes and a hammer lying on the bedroom floor at the scene.

Stausing said Banks had two previous warrants for nonsupport in 2012 and resisting or interfering with arrest in 2010.

He said Banks told Scroggins he would find him when he gets out and handle things, but the statement did not warrant any other charges because it was not viewed as a direct threat.

Stausing added officers receive comments like that all the time.

"It comes with the territory," he said.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

100 block of Elm Street, Oran, Mo.