Washington man jailed in beating
A Washington man was placed in Washington County jail on $35,000 bond after he allegedly threatened to kill his girlfriend and prevented her from leaving a home.
Eric William Johnson, 27, of 255 Duncan Ave., was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint and harassment Monday after Bentleyville police responded about 1:30 p.m. to 321 Beallsville Road for a report of a domestic disturbance.
Johnson’s girlfriend, Shannon Rush, told police they got into an argument about Johnson staying out late. Rush said Johnson became angry, grabbed her by the neck and slammed her into a wall. Rush said she passed out and Johnson dragged her into a bedroom and threatened to kill her.
He then attempted to force her out of the home but would not allow her to take her 2-year-old son, police said. Rush remained in the home, and Johnson allegedly continued to slam her against a wall. Rush told police Johnson continued to threaten her and also threatened to kill himself. At one point, he smashed her cellphone, she said.
Rush was able to leave the home and went to a neighbor for assistance. Police noted in their report that Rush’s arms were covered in bruises.
Johnson was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward.