MAN RETURNING FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLASS ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

A man who had just returned home from a court-ordered domestic violence class was arrested Saturday, accused of beating up his pregnant girlfriend. Sheriff’s investigators say Michael Harper, 34, returned to his home in the 59100 block of Stearman Road in Landers about 8:30 p.m. and began arguing with his girlfriend over alcohol. The woman told deputies that Harper punched her on the right side of her cheek. She said she then ran out to Harper’s vehicle to retrieve his keys so he couldn’t drive. While she was in the car, Harper dragged her out of the vehicle and across the gravel driveway. The deputy determined that the woman had injuries consistent with being punched and dragged. Michael Harper was arrested for investigation of felony spouse abuse, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $50,000. In November 2016, Harper pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence and was sentenced to a year-long domestic violence program.