Police: Sioux Falls Man Attacks Ex-Girlfriend with Axe

Sioux Falls Police Information Officer Sam Clemens says an argument became physical between a man and his former girlfriend at an apartment on Monday.

"At some point, the two that were dating recently broke up. The woman found some of her clothes that had been ripped up. She suspected her ex-boyfriend. He returned to the apartment on Sunday afternoon and got into it with the woman. He threw her up against the wall. The other roommate separated the two. When things calmed down a little bit she left and called police."

Clemens says that's when the fighting escalated.

"There was some slapping and hitting between them. They ended up in a back bedroom. The man grabbed an axe and swung it at his ex-girlfriend. He stopped short. He did not strike her with it. But, made a comment that he could have."

Clemens says domestic violence is much too common in Sioux Falls.

"The ultimate goal is to get the message out there that this stuff will not be tolerated in Sioux Falls. If people are victims of domestic violence---we want them to call police so they can get out of that situation and get things back to normal."

Tyler Croushore, 23, of Sioux Falls has been charged with aggravated assault and intentional damage to property.