Creston Police: Creston man charged after New Year’s Day assault

Steven E. Stow, 27, of Creston, was taken into custody 5:29 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Union County Law Enforcement Center on a Union County warrant for the charge of willful injury - causing serious injury.

According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 3 a.m. Jan. 1 law enforcement was contacted by the hospital for a victim of an assault who wanted to speak with officers.

The victim told officers approximately an hour earlier they were at a local bar during closing time when they observed Stow involved in a verbal argument with the driver of a vehicle. Because the victim has known Stow for years, they felt they would be able to de-escalate the situation and attempted to talk to Stow. While attempting to talk with him, the victim was punched in the face and head multiple times by Stow, causing serious injuries including a broken jaw, black eye and broken blood vessels in the eye.

Officers later observed surveillance footage from the bar which showed a group of people exiting the back of the bar and going into the parking lot. Stow approached a Jeep Wrangler where two females were standing by the open passenger door. The victim walked up a short time later and was seen attempting to get between Stow and the Jeep. Stow pushed the victim away multiple times.

The situation between Stow and the females began to escalate as more people became involved. Stow was pushed backwards by one of the females and the victim grabbed Stow from behind in attempt to get him away from them. At this point, Stow pulled away from the victim and the female and threw two unprovoked punches at the victim but missed. The second missed swing caused Stow to lose his balance and fall. Stow got up and immediately went toward the victim. At this time, the victim is heard saying “I’m not trying to fight you,” as he moved away from Stow with his hands up in a defensive position.

Stow then punched the victim in the face and head eight times, five of which were done while the victim’s back was turned to him. After the victim was on the ground, Stow punched him again. At no point was the victim observed fighting back. During the incident, many bystanders can be heard yelling at Stow to stop. After the assault, Stow is heard saying “Who the f*** do you think you’re talking to bro,” while staring down at the victim.

Stow was transported to the Union County Jail where he was released from after posting $10,000 cash or surety bond.

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Fallon D. May, 40, of Creston, was taken into custody 7:24 p.m. Jan. 22 in the 900 block of West Mills Street on a Union County warrant for the charge of violation of probation. She was additionally charged with violation of a no-contact order.

According to Department of Correctional Services reports, on Jan. 17, 2025, May was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. The sentence was suspended and May was placed on probation for two years.

On Dec. 10 May was charged with domestic abuse assault and on Dec. 26, she was charged with violation of a no-contact/protective order by Creston Police. May has failed to maintain scheduled meetings with probation and has not provided an updated address to them.

According to a Creston Police report, on Jan. 22, while officers were conducting a warrant check for May at a residence on West Mills Street, she was observed through the front window of the home.

There is an active no-contact order in place against May that prevents May from being at the residence.

May was transported to the Clarke County Jail and held on $2,000 cash or surety bond.