The Ottumwa Courier

Local News

January 11, 2013

Hatchet attack suspect hit with new charges

OTTUMWA — An Ottumwan accused of attacking three others with a hatchet last summer added a new charge to his record last week.

Charles Julian Jason Zwer, 26, was charged on Jan. 3 with possession of contraband in a correctional facility, though jail officials would not comment on what the contraband was.

On July 22, police were called to Zwer’s home at 219 N. Marion St. on the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival they found three people suffering from hatchet wounds, one of whom was critically injured. Zwer was taken into custody a short distance from the house.

He was originally charged with attempted murder, willful injury and assault while participating in a felony.

A few days after the attack, Zwer was hit with additional charges: going armed with intent and two counts of willful injury, all of which are felonies.

Zwer’s preliminary hearing for the contraband charge is set for Monday. His jury trial for the charges stemming from the hatchet attack is set for March 19.

Zwer has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and is being held in Wapello County Jail on a total of $305,000 bond, $270,000 of which is cash only.

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