On December 22, 2025, at approximately Cottage Grove police officers were dispatched to Aurilla apartments in Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota on report that a female, later identified as R. O. O. (victim), was screaming in the hallways running away from someone. When officers were dispatched, they were advised that the victim has retreated back to a neighbor's apartment because she was scared of a male, later identified as Jonah Mehari Akway (defendant), [DOB REDACTED]. When officers arrived, they met with the victim [NAME REDACTED] had strangled her and "choked her out." Victim reported that she and the defendant had been together for over 8 years and living together for 5. Victim reported that defendant began assaulting her when she was talking to her sister.
Victim [NAME REDACTED] stated he did not believe she was talking to her sister. When she was explaining it was her sister, defendant grabbed her by the throat began strangling her impeding her breath. Victim then fell to the ground and defendant struck her on the side of her face with a closed fist. Defendant eventually let her go and she was able to escape from the defendant and find refuge in a neighbor's apartment. Officer observed injuries to victims' neck, collar bone and face. Defendant was found and placed under arrest.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: YOU MUST APPEAR FOR EVERY COURT HEARING REGARDING THIS CASE. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR COURT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGES BEING IMPOSED AND PUNISHED AS PROVIDED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 609.49.
