MITCHELL – On Sunday, November 17, Mitchell Police officers and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at 1413 Deckard Drive following a report of a physical altercation between a couple.
Upon arrival, officers encountered several juvenile witnesses who reported hearing yelling and arguing from the bedroom. A woman emerged from the bedroom, and officers still heard a male voice shouting from within. After additional officers arrived, 31-year-old Tanner Smith opened the bedroom door and stood in the hallway.
In separate statements, Smith and the woman provided accounts of the incident. The woman claimed that Smith had restrained her and placed his hands around her neck, causing her to tell him to stop because she could not breathe.
Smith acknowledged the argument but denied choking the woman. However, officers observed visible marks on the woman’s neck, consistent with her account.
Smith was detained on charges of domestic battery, domestic battery in the presence of a child under the age of 16, and strangulation.
A Department of Child Services report was also filed regarding the incident, as three juvenile witnesses were present.
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.
