MITCHELL — A 42-year-old Mitchell man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following an investigation into a July 1 domestic disturbance that involved allegations of choking and self-harm.
Sgt. R. Compton of the Lawrence County Police Department has filed a probable cause affidavit requesting an arrest warrant for Eric Foster on charges of strangulation and domestic battery. Foster was detained on August 21.
According to court documents, Lawrence County Central Dispatch received an open-line 911 call at approximately 8:22 p.m. originating from a residence on Clark Smith Road, where dispatchers could hear noise and unintelligible statements.
Sgt. Compton arrived on the scene and was met at the back door by a female. The victim reported that a physical altercation had taken place and expressed concern that Foster was inside attempting to harm himself.
Deputies entered the residence and located Foster lying on his side in the living room in an emotional state. Foster told officers he was experiencing a mental health episode and felt like he did not want to live, but agreed to be evaluated by medical personnel. Additional officers arrived to stay with Foster while Sgt. Compton conducted further investigation.
The victim told investigators that tension had been escalating because her family wanted Foster to move out due to previous financial disputes. When she asked him to leave that evening, Foster allegedly wrapped Christmas lights around his neck and took her cell phone to prevent her from calling 911.
According to the affidavit, the victim managed to use Foster’s phone to dial 911 and later contacted her daughter to request additional help. She stated that Foster also attempted to hang himself using a dog leash.
When the victim attempted to walk to a neighbor’s home for help, Foster allegedly followed her outside, blocked her path, and told her he would “take her out with him.” The victim reported that Foster placed his hands around her neck, choking her while pushing her backward to the ground. Foster then allegedly sat on top of her and applied significant pressure to her throat for five to ten seconds, making it difficult for her to breathe.
Officers noted slight redness on the victim’s neck and documented the scene with photographs.
During questioning, Foster admitted to wrapping Christmas lights around his neck to get the victim’s attention, but claimed the events outside were “kind of a blur.” After waiving his Miranda rights, Foster acknowledged he may have gotten on top of the victim while yelling at her, but denied intentionally hurting her or recalling placing his hands around her neck, suggesting his hands may have been on her collarbone or shoulders.
Foster was subsequently transported by IU Health medical personnel to a hospital for a psychological evaluation.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
