Joplin man accused of hitting boy, trying to run over pregnant girlfriend

A Joplin man is accused of spanking 2-year-old boy and threatening to run over his pregnant girlfriend when she refused his demand to terminate her pregnancy.

Douglas Michael Pete McLallan was arrested Sunday and faces charges of fourth-degree domestic assault and abuse or neglect of a child.

A witness told investigators that McLallan became angry while questioning the toddler about how another child had been injured while the two were playing.

The witness said McLallan began screaming at the boy, demanding that he "tell the f***ing truth."

When the toddler handed McLallan a yellow plastic toy car and indicated another child had been hit with it, McLallan allegedly threw the toy at the 2-year-old, striking him in the leg.

Investigators say McLallan then spanked the child on his right buttock, leaving red welts that remained visible approximately 40 to 45 minutes after the incident.

McLallan reportedly left the scene but later returned.

According to the probable cause statement, McLallan subsequently called his girlfriend, who told him she no longer wanted to continue their romantic relationship.

The woman, who had been in a relationship with McLallan for several years, was six weeks pregnant with his child.

Investigators say McLallan told the woman that if she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him, she needed to get an abortion.

When the woman refused, McLallan allegedly threatened to run her over with his vehicle so she would be unable to give birth.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, McLallan admitted spanking the toddler, describing it to police as a "pretty good spanking, decently hard."

McLallan also acknowledged being frustrated during the incident and admitted that he sometimes had difficulty controlling his anger.

However, he denied throwing the toy car at the child and denied threatening to run over his pregnant girlfriend.

He admitted to officers that he struggled to control his anger.

McLallan's reported bond was set at $50,000.