ANDREW SCOTT COWGER

ROYAL MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED BATTERY OF 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, HOTSR.COM

Garland County, AR - A Royal man was arrested Thursday morning on a felony warrant stemming from injuries to his 7-year-old daughter during an alleged assault by him last Monday. Andrew Scott Cowger, 28, who lists a Singleton Place address, was taken into custody shortly after 8:30 a.m. in the 3500 block of Airport Road in Pearcy on a felony count of second-degree domestic battery, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Cowger, who lists no prior criminal history, was initially held on zero bond, but bonded out Friday after appearing in Garland County District Court. A felony review hearing is set for Oct. 11. According to the probable cause affidavit, on Tuesday, the Garland County Sheriff's Office received a report from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division regarding "physical abuse with injuries" of a 7-year-old female by her biological father, identified as Cowger. Investigators made contact with the juvenile and allegedly observed multiple injuries, including "bruises, abrasions, and cuts to her person." A large bruise and abrasion was observed on her forehead and cheek, another abrasion was seen on the left side of her chin as well as having a "bruised and split lip." She reportedly had bruises on both sides of her neck and a large bruise on her back. The juvenile was formally interviewed Wednesday at the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center and allegedly stated that while at her father's residence at Singleton Place her father hit her. She reportedly stated he "slammed her down" on the floor and hit her "all over her body" multiple times both with closed fists and open hands. She alleges Cowger punched her in the head and mouth and then wrapped his hands around her neck and "squeezed until she couldn't breathe." She stated he also "slapped her across the back" while she was on her stomach on the floor. The juvenile indicated the incident occurred on Monday, Sept. 2. A warrant for Cowger's arrest was issued Thursday.