On August 11, 2026, at approximately 3:43 p.m., the Stuart Police Department was dispatched to the 300 block of S. Summit Street after a woman fled from a nearby residence and sought help from a neighbor. The woman reported that a male had broken into her home, strangled and assaulted her, and was believed to still be inside. Officers observed visible injuries to her neck.
A Stuart Police officer, assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, responded to the victim’s residence in the 600 block of SW 4th Street and cleared the home; however, the suspect was not located inside.
The victim identified the suspect as 41-year-old Curtis Eugene Baird of Stuart and reported that during the assault, Baird allegedly strangled her to the point she was unable to breathe and allegedly struck her in the head with an object.
A Stuart Police officer later located Baird walking in the 100 block of N. Main Street. Baird initially refused to comply and attempted to flee before being taken into custody following a brief struggle with the officer.
Baird was transported to the Adair County Jail and charged with:
• Burglary in the First Degree – Class B Felony
• Domestic Abuse Assault Impeding Air/Blood Flow – Class D Felony
The Stuart Police Department would like to thank the Iowa State Patrol for their assistance during the incident.
All criminal charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
