Staff Report

Joshua Wayne Chupp

WARSAW — A Nappanee man was recently arrested after battering a woman and preventing her from contacting police for help.

Joshua Wayne Chupp, 33, Elm St., Nappanee, is charged with criminal confinement and domestic battery with a prior conviction, both level 6 felonies; and domestic battery and interference with the reporting of a crime, both class A misdemeanors.

On Nov. 11, 2020, a Warsaw Police officer met with a woman regarding a domestic battery report. The woman told the officer that Chupp had battered her on Nov. 3, 2020.

According to court documents, the woman said she and Chupp had a verbal argument. While the argument was ongoing, the woman locked herself in a bathroom and began recording the incident with her cell phone. Chupp began yelling at her from outside the bathroom. The woman eventually opened the door and the argument continued.

When the woman attempted to leave the residence, Chupp grabbed her and threw her to the ground, causing her to hit her back on an unknown object. Chupp also allegedly took the woman’s keys and phone when she was going to call emergency services. Chupp returned the woman’s phone to her and she attempted to leave again; however, Chupp prevented her from doing so. Chupp eventually allowed the woman to leave.

On Nov. 17, a Warsaw Police officer reviewed the audio recording provided by the woman. In the recording, the officer heard the woman lock herself in a room and Chupp yell at her. The woman is heard yelling for help and telling Chupp to leave multiple times.

The officer went to Chupp’s residence and attempted to speak with him about the incident; however, Chupp refused to talk and said he had an attorney. The officer also reviewed photographs the woman took of her injuries.

Chupp was previously convicted of battery resulting in serious bodily injury in Elkhart County.

He was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Jan. 17, with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.