MITCHELL – A Mitchell man was arrested Monday night after police investigated a reported domestic violence incident involving his mother.
Dustin Baker Jr., 22, of Mitchell, faces charges of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, and strangulation, a Level 6 felony, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by Mitchell Police Department Sgt. Garrett Jacobs.
Jacobs said he was notified by dispatch at approximately 8:06 p.m. Oct. 12 that a woman had arrived at the Mitchell Police Department to report a physical altercation with her son.
Jacobs met with the woman at the station and observed redness and what appeared to be fingerprints on her neck and upper chest, according to the affidavit.
In a written statement, the woman said she had been asleep on a couch when Baker woke her and asked for $10. After she told him she did not have the money, an argument followed.
The woman said she had spread lotion in Baker’s room but later attempted to clean it up. She reported that Baker became upset when he returned and discovered what had happened, began throwing items in the kitchen and living room, and then grabbed her by the neck and pushed her to the living room floor.
According to her statement, Baker squeezed her neck until she could not breathe. She also told police she may have scratched him while trying to get him to stop.
Jacobs completed a lethality screening and connected the woman with RBR Alliance, a domestic violence resource, to discuss options that included seeking a protective order. The woman also signed paperwork indicating she wished to pursue charges.
After learning Baker had left the residence with his father, Jacobs contacted Bedford police for assistance in locating him. Bedford officers later located Baker and took him into custody without incident.
Jacobs met Bedford officers at the Lawrence County Jail at approximately 9:50 p.m. and took custody of Baker to complete the booking process.
The charges are allegations, and Baker is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
