Rockford man charged with attacking a pregnant woman

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested James Smith-Johnson, 29, for allegedly attacking a pregnant woman.

On June 17, around 5:40 p.m., officers were called to the 1600 block of 10th Street for reports of domestic violence. The incident started when the suspect threw her clothes out of his car behind the Rockford Ridge Apartments, according to court records.

The victim told authorities that Smith-Johnson came back to take her home after he realized he wanted his sweatshirt from her.

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The situation escalated when the suspect punched the woman multiple times in the face, leaving visible injuries, officers reported.

The woman told authorities that Smith-Johnson also offered to pay her not to call the police. She denied his offer, which resulted in the suspect attempting to take her phone, court documents show.

Officials reported that the victim was able to run to her apartment, where she called 911.

The suspect was booked into the Winnebago County Jail on July 23.

Smith-Johnson is charged with aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, domestic battery that caused bodily harm and interfering with the report of domestic violence.