HELTONVILLE – Michael David McLaughlin Jr., of Heltonville, has been charged with multiple felonies following a domestic violence incident that occurred on August 24, 2024.
McLaughlin, 50, is facing charges of domestic battery with a deadly weapon, strangulation, and intimidation with a deadly weapon.
The Lawrence County Police Department was dispatched to McLaughlin’s residence at the 100 block of Salem Road after receiving reports of a physical altercation between him and his ex-wife. Upon arrival, Officer Thomas Porter found the woman visibly shaken, with red marks around her neck, which she attributed to being choked by her ex-husband using a headlock technique.
The woman’s mother informed the responding officers that McLaughlin had chased her daughter in the backyard while threatening her with a garden spade.
The victim expressed to police that she feared for her life, detailing how she attempted to escape from McLaughlin by running into the house. However, he forced his way in and placed her in a headlock, only releasing her when she was able to fight back by elbowing McLaughlin.
After being freed, the woman shoved McLaughlin out of the house and contacted her mother, who subsequently called 911. By the time law enforcement arrived, McLaughlin had left the scene.
This is not the first time police have been called to this residence regarding domestic disputes. The woman has been in the process of finalizing her divorce from McLaughlin and has previously sought eviction and protective orders against him.
Officer Porter collected evidence, including photographs of the scene and a signed domestic battery affidavit from the victim.
Given the severity of the allegations, Officer Porter requested a warrant for McLaughlin’s arrest to face the charges in court.
Local authorities encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help and report incidents to law enforcement.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
