WINSLOW, Maine — A Winslow man out on bail for domestic violence charges was arrested Thursday afternoon after punching his grandmother in the face and attempting to strangle her because she would not call a woman he is barred from contacting by court order, according to police.
Jeffrey Paquette, 33, was charged with felony domestic violence aggravated assault, obstructing the report of a crime and two counts of violation of conditions of release, Winslow Police Chief Shawn O’Leary said Friday in a statement about the arrest.
A relative of the 73-year-old woman called police to report the Wednesday night assault.
“Paquette became enraged because [his grandmother] refused to call Paquette’s estranged girlfriend that he cannot have contact with,” O’Leary said.
Paquette was out on bail for two separate domestic violence incidents for terrorizing and reckless conduct. Part of his bail conditions included not having any contact — direct or indirect — with his ex-girlfriend, the chief said.
Paquette also was on probation for a prior domestic violence incident.
“After refusing to call Paquette’s estranged girlfriend, he proceeded to push his grandmother to the ground, where she struck her head,” O’Leary said. “He then proceeded to punch her in the face several times. He then went on to choke [her until] she almost lost consciousness. Paquette took her cellphone and destroyed her house phone, [and his grandmother] was unable to call for assistance. Due to her injuries, she started to yell for help, but Paquette physically prevented her by grasping her nose and covering her mouth.”
Paquette allegedly left the Halifax Street residence he shares with his grandmother after he discovered the police were looking from him. However, he later contacted the Winslow Police Department, the chief said.
After initially refusing to turn himself in, he was eventually located and arrested without incident, O’Leary said.
“Due to being out on bail, being on probation, and his prior domestic violence arrests, he is being held without bail,” the police chief said.
Paquette’s grandmother was taken to Maine General Medical Center in Augusta and was later released to her family. Paquette was taken to Kennebec County Jail.
If convicted of the felony domestic violence aggravated assault charge, Paquette faces a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.