Police welfare check reveals attempted battery

A Bloomington man was arrested early Wednesday morning after a welfare check revealed signs his live-in girlfriend was a victim of aggravated domestic battery.

Michael Alan Smith, 26, is currently in custody at the Monroe County Jail facing preliminary charges of domestic battery, strangulation and confinement. Bond is set at $4,000 surety and $500 cash.

Bloomington police responded to Smith’s Campus Court at North Walnut apartment at about 1 a.m. Wednesday at the request of the victim’s family member. BPD Sgt.
Joseph Crider said the family member received a text message from the victim revealing she had been battered. The family member requested police conduct a welfare check at Smith’s residence, Crider said.

Smith granted police permission to enter the residence, where officers spoke with Smith’s girlfriend, 23. Officers noted a bruise on her face, and when asked, she told police the injury resulted from an argument between Smith and herself that occurred a few days prior.

Strains in their relationship, she told police, caused a verbal argument between her
and Smith, which escalated into a physical altercation in the bedroom area of their apartment. Smith reportedly grabbed her shirt, threw her onto the bed and strangled her, the victim told police, causing pain to her neck and restricting her airway.

The victim yelled and banged on the walls of the bedroom, Crider said. Eventually, the victim was reportedly able to leave the apartment.

— Kirsten Clark