OOLITIC— A local man is behind bars following an early morning incident on Monday that led to a brief search by Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies. Matthew Dean Robbins, 46, of Oolitic, was arrested on multiple felony charges after authorities were called to a residence on 5th Street.
The incident began at approximately 4:19 a.m. on February 23rd, when Lawrence County Dispatch received a distress call from a female resident. The woman reported that her boyfriend, Robbins, had physically assaulted her, choked her, and locked her out of their home.
Sgt. Whitney Daugherty and Officer K. Long arrived on the scene to find the woman on the front porch. According to the probable cause affidavit, Robbins had fled through the back door just as officers arrived.
Upon entering the home to ensure the suspect was no longer inside, Sgt. Daugherty noted visible marks around the woman’s neck and requested EMS to the scene.
The woman informed officers that the dispute began over a disagreement about vacuuming the bedroom. According to her statement, the situation escalated after she moved to the couch to escape Robbins’ verbal abuse. When she told him he needed to pack his belongings and leave the following day, the confrontation turned violent.
The woman alleged Robbins threw her onto the bed and wrapped his hands around her neck, choking her. He struck her in the face with his fist. He then attempted to forcibly take her cell phone to prevent her from calling 911.
While the woman was being treated by medical personnel, officers heard a loud noise coming from the west side of the property. Upon investigation, Sgt. Daugherty and Officer Long discovered an open cellar door.
Officers located Robbins squatting on the cellar stairs. He was ordered out at gunpoint and detained without further incident.
Robbins was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and faces the following preliminary charges of strangulation, domestic battery with a prior conviction, and interfering with reporting a crime.
The woman was provided with information regarding domestic violence resources and the process for obtaining a protective order.
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.
