SAC CITY, IOWA — A late-night domestic assault investigation that began June 30, 2026, in Sac City has escalated into a first-degree kidnapping case carrying the most serious felony classification available under Iowa law.
Sac City police were called to a residence at approximately 10:32 p.m. after receiving a report of a domestic assault in progress.
Following an initial investigation, officers located and arrested 32-year-old Paul Bainbridge of Sac City during the early morning hours of July 1.
Bainbridge was initially charged with child endangerment, first-degree harassment and domestic abuse assault while displaying or using a dangerous weapon, all aggravated misdemeanors. He was also charged with obstruction of emergency communications, a simple misdemeanor.
The case quickly grew more serious.
As officers continued their investigation later July 1, Bainbridge (pictured at top) was additionally charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a Class C felony, and willful injury causing bodily injury, a Class D felony.
More than three weeks later, on July 24, investigators filed a charge of first-degree kidnapping, a Class A felony, against Bainbridge in connection with the June 30 incident.
Police have not disclosed the identity of the alleged victim, the type of weapon allegedly involved or the circumstances supporting the kidnapping charge. Authorities also have not released details about the alleged injuries, the child-endangerment accusation or the alleged obstruction of emergency communications.
The department’s July 28 announcement did not include Bainbridge’s current custody status or bond information.
The Sac City Police Department was assisted by the Sac County Sheriff’s Office and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains active, and police said no further information would be released at this time.
All charges are allegations. Bainbridge is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.