Victim Reported Blacking Out During Choking Incident, Police Say

JONESBORO, Ark. — A 50-year-old suspect was arrested after police said a woman reported being choked multiple times during a domestic incident.

Michael Smith was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member, a Class D felony.

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According to the probable cause affidavit, Jonesboro officers responded May 26, 2026, to an address on Crestfield Drive for a report of a person having difficulty breathing. While officers were on the way, dispatch advised that a domestic disturbance may have occurred.

When officers arrived, EMS was treating the alleged victim and told police she could not speak at the time, the affidavit states. She was transported to the hospital to ensure her trachea had not been fractured.

Officers spoke with others at the scene, who said the victim’s boyfriend, Smith, had allegedly thrown her from a chair and put all of his weight through his arms, pressing into her throat, according to the affidavit.

Police later contacted the victim at the hospital for her statement. An officer noted her voice was strained because of swelling in her neck and that visible bruising was present.

The victim told police she was on a work call from home when her boyfriend leaned over and started choking her. She said she ran toward the bed in an attempt to get away, but Smith threw her onto the bed and used both hands around her neck, causing her to black out, according to the affidavit.

The victim also told police Smith later jumped on her back and began choking her again with his arm wrapped around her neck. She said she began to pass out again before Smith stopped.

Police said the victim was eventually able to flee to a neighbor’s residence so she could call for help.

Smith was contacted by phone and agreed to turn himself in, according to the affidavit.

Smith’s next court date is July 30. Bail was set at $50,000 cash or surety.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.