A Boonville man has been charged with felonies for allegedly assaulting a woman and locking her inside a pantry.
A probable-cause statement says on November 7, the woman alleged to authorities that she had been assaulted by Gerard Bender approximately two weeks prior. She said he grabbed her and slammed her against the wall. The woman reported she heard her ribs crack and was in pain. The woman also informed officers that Bender has locked her in a pantry and refused to let her out. The woman filed an ex parte against Bender.
On November 12, law-enforcement officers were called back to the residence because Bender reportedly was trying to get back into the house. The woman had the locks changed and noticed items moved around inside, such as the trash was missing. Law enforcement located a garage-door opener Bender allegedly used to enter the residence. Bender was taken into custody and served the ex parte.
Court documents say a warrant has been issued and Bender has been charged with a Class B Felony for Domestic Assault in the First Degree and a Class D Felony for Kidnapping in the Second Degree. Bond has been set at $20,000 cash or surety.
Bender’s initial hearing is pending at Cooper County Circuit Court.