Salem man behind bars for domestic battery, intimidation

By: 
Staff Writer Kate Wehlann

Matthew Robbins, 39, Salem, was arrested Thursday, Dec. 20, after his girlfriend went to to the police to report him hitting her and verbally threatening her for two or three days before the arrest.

She told officers at the Washington County Sheriff’s Department she had been able to get out of the home, located on Mt. Zion Road, but was afraid to return while he was there, saying she was in fear of her life.

The night before, Robbins was angry when he arrived home around 11:30 p.m. She said she went to her bedroom to avoid a confrontation with him and he threatened to kill her if she reported him to the police and began punching her with his fists and grabbing and squeezing her, leaving bruises and swelling on her chest, shoulders, arms, back and abdomen. She said she yelled at him to stop hitting her and then he picked up a kitchen knife and chased her into the kitchen and threatened to kill her if she went to the police.

Washington County Dispatcher Deni Stempowski documented the woman’s injuries and the woman signed a voluntary statement and battery affidavit.

Deputies Paul Ginkins and Matt Hein went to question Robbins and found his vehicle parked in the garage and no lights on in the home or outbuildings. The found Robbins walking around one of the barns and he complied with the officers’ orders to stop walking away and the officers arrested him for battery. He admitted to having a loud argument with the woman the night before, but denied hitting her.

Robbins was preliminarily charged with domestic battery and intimidation.

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