GRAHAM COUNTY — A local man was booked into Graham County Jail for allegedly punching his aunt in the face.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, on the 2000 block of Bigler Avenue. The victim said her nephew punched her after she told him, his girlfriend and their cats to get out of her car.
The suspect claimed he was defending his girlfriend, whom he said was being choked by his aunt, as well as his aunt throwing one of his cats. However, the girlfriend did not report being choked or any cat tossing.
The victim was treated on scene for a bloody nose and cuts by Lifeline Ambulance. The suspect was transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for pain from self-inflicted cuts on his left arm, and pain in his right hand from punching his aunt.
During transport, he reportedly said he had wanted to punch his aunt “for so long” and was glad he “finally got an excuse.” He also said he was thinking of killing himself.
Once medically cleared, he was booked into Graham County Jail on charges of assault and disorderly conduct. He was also put on an advanced observation protocol for the self-harm comments.
