Oklahoma Man Accused of Smashing 74-Year-Old Mother’s Head Against Dashboard and Trying to Set Her Hair on Fire
EDMOND, OK – A 48-year-old Oklahoma man is facing charges after allegedly attacking his 74-year-old mother in a violent attempt to steal her car, police said. The suspect reportedly smashed her head against the dashboard, chipped her tooth, and even tried to set her hair on fire before being arrested.
Timeline of the Attack
Police responded to a domestic disturbance around 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 at 700 Country Club Drive in Edmond, according to an arrest report obtained by Law&Crime.
One of the 911 calls came from the victim herself, who reported her son, Donald Chadwell, was “attacking” her inside her vehicle. Witnesses also told police that Chadwell was pulling his mother by the hair and slamming her head into the dashboard.
Alleged Assault and Evidence
When officers arrived, they saw the victim outside her vehicle pointing toward Chadwell, who had walked about 400 feet away. Police said he was holding a blue lighter and had a strand of women’s hair dangling from his hand.
The 74-year-old mother alleged her son attempted to set her hair on fire during the assault. She also reported that he chipped her tooth and smashed the car’s windshield. Witnesses corroborated her account, saying they saw her being pulled by the hair and her head forced into the dashboard while she screamed for help.
Inside the vehicle, officers observed a large pile of the mother’s hair on the passenger seat. When asked about it, Chadwell allegedly brushed it off, claiming she was “old” and her “hair falls out.”
Conflicting Stories
Chadwell denied trying to set his mother’s hair on fire, instead accusing her of being “crazy,” having a “God complex,” and using her wealth to control him. He claimed his mother had hidden his car because of his alcohol abuse and history of driving drunk.
The mother told police her son has a bipolar disorder diagnosis but is not on medication. She said he immediately demanded, “You’re gonna give me your car,” when he entered the vehicle, sparking the violent confrontation.
Arrest and Background
Chadwell was taken into custody and booked into the Edmond city jail on a charge of domestic assault or battery. The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case to determine additional charges.
State records show Chadwell has a prior arrest from 2022 for DUI, possession of a controlled substance, and transporting liquor in an open container. Those charges were later dismissed.
Community Impact
The shocking allegations highlight concerns about elder abuse and domestic violence in Oklahoma. Advocates say families should reach out for help when dealing with mental health crises to prevent situations from escalating into violence.
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