A Twentynine Palms man who beat his girlfriend with a tree branch Friday was arrested, accused of assault and spouse abuse. According to a Sheriff’s report, Toby Askew, 40, had been arguing with his girlfriend in the 5400 block of Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms about 6 p.m. During the argument, Askew allegedly hit the woman with a four-foot-long tree branch. The deputy saw large welts on her right arm, side, and back. Toby Askew was arrested for investigation of felony spouse abuse and assault with a deadly weapon, booked at the West Valley Detention Center, with his bail set at $50,000.
