Salem man arrested for domestic battery in front of his children

By: 
Staff Writer Kate Wehlann

Shawn Hart, 39, Salem, was arrested following an incident of reported domestic violence on Nov. 14.

Indiana State Trooper Justin Smith arrived at the West Skylight Road home of Hart. His wife was hiding in a car with two children, 12 and 16.

Smith said Hart, who was talking to another trooper when he arrived, was visibly upset and yelling, cursing at his wife and Smith. Hart denied anything had happened.

Smith spoke with Hart’s wife, who was shaken and had noticeable swelling and bruising to the side of her face. She said she and Hart had been in a heated argument when Hart got in her face and screamed at her. She told Smith she pushed him away and Hart attacked her, striking her in the face. She said he was on top of her when her children ran into the room and tried to break up the fight.

The troopers were informed Hart had prior conviction for domestic violence and was currently on probation for these offenses. Smith told Hart he was being arrested and Hart was initially very angry and told them “he wouldn’t be going to jail.” He eventually agreed to be handcuffed and was placed in Smith’s vehicle. Smith administered a portable breath test, and Hart blew a .115. He also informed Smith his mouth was dry from the Gabapentin pills he had taken.

Hart was preliminarily charged with domestic battery committed in the presence of a child younger than 16.

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