COLUMBUS, Ohio — A domestic violence investigation in Columbus has led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man accused of using a secretly kept key to enter his ex-girlfriend’s home before allegedly attacking her with a machete.
Robert Robbins was taken into custody over the weekend and charged with one count of felonious assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the Sunday morning incident, according to court records.
Officers with the Columbus Division of Police were called to a home in the 600 block of S. 22nd Street shortly before 8 a.m. following a report of a domestic violence incident.
When first responders arrived, they found the woman inside the residence with a large cut on her head. She reportedly told officers that Robbins, whom she identified as her former boyfriend, had attacked her with a machete.
The woman was taken to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where she received treatment for injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Man Allegedly Remains Outside Home for Hours
According to the woman’s account detailed in court records, Robbins had returned to the residence the night before after being away for several days.
The two reportedly argued outside the home before the woman went back inside.
Robbins allegedly remained outside for hours, repeatedly knocking on the door and asking the woman to let him in. At some point during the morning, she believed he had finally left.
But authorities say Robbins had not actually gone away. Instead, he allegedly found another way inside the home using a key that the woman believed he no longer had.
The woman reportedly told investigators that Robbins had previously told her he had lost the key.
Police Say Machete Was Hidden Behind His Back
Once Robbins allegedly entered the home, the situation quickly escalated.
According to the victim’s statement to investigators, Robbins was extremely upset because she had refused to let him inside. He allegedly approached her while concealing a machete behind his back.
Robbins then allegedly attacked her with the weapon.
During the incident, police say Robbins climbed on top of the woman and began using the machete to cut off her hair as she struggled to escape. The woman suffered additional injuries during the struggle, including cuts to her head and hands, according to police.
The attack prompted the emergency response that brought officers and medical personnel to the Columbus residence Sunday morning.
Robbins Faces Felony Assault Charge
Robbins appeared in court for his arraignment Thursday as the case moved forward. A judge set his bond at $50,000.
Court conditions also placed several restrictions on Robbins should he be released. He is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim, consuming drugs or alcohol, or possessing a firearm.
The allegations against Robbins remain accusations at this stage, and the criminal case will proceed through the court system. Meanwhile, the woman’s injuries were treated at the hospital and were not considered life-threatening, according to the report.
What do you think about the allegations in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for further updates as the court proceedings continue.
