MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — Two people were arrested Tuesday evening after a domestic altercation at a Mount Hope residence left both parties injured, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 7:20 p.m. on July 14 to a residence on North Rogers Street after Fayette County Emergency 911 received a call reporting that a man had physically assaulted a woman and was refusing to let her leave.
According to the criminal complaint, the caller told dispatchers that Tommie Hamlet had struck her several times and repeatedly taken her cellphone. She also reported attempting to retreat into a bathroom, but claimed Hamlet would not allow her to walk away. Dispatchers advised responding deputies they could hear the woman screaming during the 911 call.
While deputies were en route, 911 dispatchers received additional information indicating the woman, later identified as Linda Graham, had armed herself with a knife during the confrontation.
When deputies arrived, Graham told them the altercation began over Hamlet’s cellphone after she was unable to locate something he wanted. She alleged Hamlet punched her in the face and grabbed her injured leg, twisting it during the struggle.
Deputies reported observing a large knot on Graham’s head that was already bruising. Photographs of her injuries were taken as evidence.
Hamlet, however, gave investigators a different account, claiming Graham attacked him first and that he acted in self-defense. Deputies also observed scratches on Hamlet, who alleged Graham attacked him with a screwdriver, sparking the altercation.
Because both individuals had visible injuries and provided conflicting accounts, deputies said they were unable to determine who was the primary aggressor.
As a result, both Graham and Hamlet were arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. Photographs of both individuals were taken before they were transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment before a Fayette County magistrate.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
