A Louisa man was charged with first-degree strangulation following an alleged domestic incident in Louisa.
According to court documents, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call March 17 about a possible domestic violence situation. Officers said they found Matthew Chaffin, 40, “sitting outside with multiple firearms surrounding him.” They allege Chaffin was holding a handgun, and when speaking with him, he repeatedly held a firearm in their direction.
The alleged victim told officers Chaffin was withdrawing from methamphetamine and was angry over dinner; she said he threw the food into the yard, took her by the neck and dragged her inside, choking her for several seconds. Officers noted a large red mark on the victim’s throat “consistent with being choked.”
Officers said they talked Chaffin away from the firearms, and he told them she had attempted to strike him, and allegedly admitted to grabbing her by the throat.
In placing Chaffin under arrest, officers said he refused to place his hands behind his back and attempted to pull away, stopping his alleged resistance after a stun gun was deployed.
Chaffin faces charges of first-degree strangulation, resisting arrest and menacing.