The Washington Police Department arrested thirty-one-year-old Rodney Gayle Smith Jr. of Washington for Domestic Abuse Assault Impeding Airflow, a Class D Felony. The original incident occurred on September 4th when Smith Jr. and his wife were involved in an argument at their home when Smith Jr.’s wife threw an energy drink can at his face. Smith Jr. choked his wife in retaliation, placing both hands around her neck and pressing her against a wall. The wife claimed she scratched Smith in the face to get him to let go.

When Washington Police arrived at the scene, Smith Jr. had already left the residence. Photos were taken at the scene of the wife’s injuries, and the injuries were consistent with that of someone who had been strangled. Smith Jr. later called the Washington Police and asked to talk to an officer and admitted to choking his wife, but only after she had scratched and slapped him. Officers asked Smith Jr. if he would return to the scene to take pictures of his injuries, and he refused.

Smith Jr. was arrested at his home the next day and was transported to the Washington County Jail. KCII will bring you more information as it becomes official.