VERGENNES — A Vergennes resident has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including two felonies, following an alleged assault on his domestic partner, according to local police.
Anthony Smith Sr., 47, was arrested on Sunday, May 14, by Vergennes police with assistance from Vermont State Police.
Smith, a South Water Street resident, was cited for first-degree aggravated domestic assault, being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, reckless endangerment, interfering with a person’s ability to call emergency services, and unlawful restraint.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred over the course of Saturday and Sunday night.
Police say that Smith allegedly threatened the victim with a firearm during the assault. The reckless endangerment charge was specifically related to this threat.
According to law enforcement officials, Smith is also accused of preventing the victim from either leaving their shared apartment or calling for help.
It is alleged that Smith physically restrained the victim, at one point grabbing her by the neck and at another point, holding her down on a sofa.
The victim was able to escape the apartment early on Sunday morning, borrowing a phone to call 911 at 5:47 a.m., according to police.
Following the 911 call, Vermont State Police were called in to assist with the arrest.
He was taken into custody by state troopers and two city officers. Police also reported finding a pellet rifle in Smith’s possession at the time of his arrest.
Smith was lodged at a Vermont correctional facility after his arrest. He is being held for lack of $15,000 bail, police said.
