An argument over how to dispose of a dead skunk resulted recently in a felony charge filed against a man following his arrest by Prague police.
A felony charge of domestic assault and battery by strangulation was filed Nov. 3 in Lincoln County against Roland Edward Benton, 45, whose address is listed as Spokane, Wash.
Special Judge Emily Mueller set his bond at $3,000 with the condition he have no contact with the victim. She set his initial appearance for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
Benton is accused of on Oct. 23 at a residence in Prague of strangling the victim, Monica Lockhart.
He pushed Lockhart to the ground, grabbing her throat and throwing her around in an attempt to harm her, the charge alleges.
Prague Police Officer Dakota Murrison states in a probable cause affidavit that Lockhart told him the argument began over how to dispose of a dead skunk in the backyard at their residence.
Benton allegedly told Lockhart he would get rid of it in her personal vehicle and it escalated to the point she told Benton to leave, the officer said.
Benton reportedly refused to leave and started pushing Lockhart against a wall and onto the floor grabbing her by the throat and throwing her around, Murrison stated.
As he was arriving on the scene, the officer said Benton was walking towards him, placing his hands behind his back stating, “take me to jail.” When he asked Benton would he talk to him, Murrison said the suspect replied, “Nope.”
The Prague officer reported he could smell a strong odor of alcohol on Bennett. He asked him if he had been drinking and Bennett told him, “This morning.” Murrison placed Benton in handcuffs and in the back of his patrol unit. The officer noted that Lockhart had red
Murrison placed Benton in handcuffs and in the back of his patrol unit. The officer noted that Lockhart had red bruising on her throat. She later told the officer she didn’t want to press charges against Benton, she just wanted him gone.
The officer transported Benton to the Prague Police Department for booking and then on to the Lincoln County Jail in Chandler.