Nineteen-year-old Centralia man Dominic A. Rowland faces one count of second-degree assault, domestic violence, and another for second-degree malicious mischief, domestic violence, after he allegedly rammed his Ford Explorer into his father’s pickup truck on two separate occasions.
Rowland did so while his father was driving — and his partner rode shotgun in the truck.
Rowland faces up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines for the second-degree assault charge, which is considered a strike offense. The second-degree malicious mischief charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Charging documents from the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office state the incident began in the late hours of Sept. 10 when the partner arrived at Rowland’s residence, where Rowland was present and intoxicated. The two argued before Rowland’s grandfather separated them.
Rowland’s father arranged to take Rowland’s partner home. The two left in the father’s red 1998 Chevy pickup truck and drove away.
Rowland didn’t stay behind. He entered his Explorer and chased after them.
During the chaotic pursuit through town — which at one point continued down Pearl Street past the Centralia Police Department — the defendant allegedly struck his father’s pickup truck twice. He struck the pickup a third time in front of Ford's Prairie Elementary School.
This time, as his father attempted to accelerate away, Rowland turned around.
Centralia police first contacted Rowland’s father and partner inside the Chevy pickup truck at the AM/PM convenience store on Harrison Avenue at about 1:20 a.m. An officer observed a large dent on the tailgate of the truck and damage to the rear bumper.
A second officer traveled back to the residence where the altercation began. Rowland was there, as was his Explorer. The officer observed damage to the vehicle’s front bumper and red paint on its front, suggesting paint transfer from a collision with the pickup.
When questioned, Rowland indicated he was upset with his father for taking his partner home, “which is why he rammed his vehicle,” according to court documents.
In March 2025, Rowland’s partner was arrested for domestic violence. According to court documents, a no-contact order prevented her from being around Rowland. It is unclear whether they had remained in a relationship after that order was issued.
Rowland was previously convicted for third-degree driving with a suspended license, a simple misdemeanor offense. He has no felony convictions.
During Rowland’s preliminary hearing Thursday, defense attorney Rachael Tiller acknowledged the “tremendous support” of Rowland’s family members present in the audience. She stated that Rowland was working, and that his grandfather would provide transportation to and from the court for future proceedings. She asked for no more than $10,000 in bail.
Judge Paul Strophy set bail at $25,000 cash or bond, noting concerns for community safety, especially if Rowland were to get behind the wheel. The judge issued a no-contact order on behalf of the alleged victims and a surrender of weapons.
Rowland is not allowed to drive a motor vehicle while the case is pending.
