A former Cottage Grove City Council member has been charged with allegedly head-butting and punching his wife, a former Washington County commissioner, during a dispute about caring for their child.

Derrick G. Lehrke, 35, was charged Monday by the Cottage Grove city attorney's office with one count of domestic assault, a misdemeanor. Lehrke allegedly attacked Autumn Lehrke in the couple's Cottage Grove home on Jan. 29.

"During the course of the argument the Defendant became upset and head-butted Ms. Lehrke across the top of her nose," the complaint said. "Ms. Lehrke stated that when that occurred she simply looked at the Defendant and stated 'Did you really just do that?' Ms. Lehrke stated that she was holding their young child at the time."

Autumn Lehrke, 33, issued a written statement this week saying that she asked that no charges be filed, and that she is frustrated that her "desires have been completely ignored."

Alleged victims of domestic abuse do not have to grant permission for the filing of criminal charges.

"I do not believe the facts are accurate as contained in the complaint," her statement said. "I love my husband and we are going to get through this difficult and embarrassing time together."

She did not identify which details she contests in the criminal complaint.

Chao Xiong • 612-270-4708

Twitter: @ChaoStrib