THORNDIKE, Maine — A 37-year-old man is in jail after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend last week and allegedly assaulting a Waldo County sheriff’s deputy.
The woman told police last Thursday that Andrew Smith of Thorndike had been “highly agitated” when she arrived at their shared home on the previous evening, according to a media release issued Tuesday by the sheriff’s office. He allegedly punched her, dragged her by the hair and attempted to strangle her until she lost consciousness. She also told police that Smith threatened to kill her and took her phone away when she tried to call 911 for help.
“Deputies documented numerous injuries consistent with her description of abuse,” the release stated.
When deputies found Smith at the home and tried to ask him about the incident, he was uncooperative, police said.
Smith was arrested and charged with domestic violence assault, domestic violence terrorizing and obstructing the report of a crime. The assault charge was elevated to Class B because of the alleged attempted strangulation, and the terrorizing and assault charges were elevated to Class C because Smith had prior convictions.
Police said that while they were taking Smith to the Waldo County Correctional Center to be booked, he unsecured his seat belt and reached through the partition that separates the backseat from the front seat to assault Deputy Andrew Mulligan. He also made repeated statements about killing Mulligan, police said. Because of these alleged actions, Smith is facing additional charges of assault and terrorizing.
Smith is being held at Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset on $5,000 cash or $50,000 surety bail.
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.