UNITY, Maine — A local man remained behind bars on Monday after he was accused of choking and assaulting a woman early Saturday morning at their home.
Stephen Smith, 26, was charged with domestic violence assault and obstructing the report of a crime after the events of the night, Chief Deputy Jeff Trafton of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office said Monday morning. The woman told police that the evening had begun well, but that Smith became angry and the couple started to argue.
“She didn’t want to argue and was trying to get away from him,” Trafton said the woman told responding deputies. “It became physical. She tried to defend herself by kicking him in the legs. That’s when he grabbed her legs and dragged her across the floor.”
She told police she tried to get away, and tried to call 911, but Smith allegedly grabbed the phone from her. At some point during the altercation, Smith jumped in his truck and drove away, Trafton said, but the woman said that he came back a short time later.
“She had locked the doors and he ended up crawling in a bedroom window,” Trafton said. “That’s when he grabbed her by the neck and choked her. She was able to breathe, but was scared.”
The woman later was able to reach police and Smith was taken to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset to be booked. He was still awaiting arraignment on Monday, according to an official at the Waldo County Jail in Belfast.
“We are working with [the alleged victim], to do some safety planning,” Trafton said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.