A 54-year-old Centralia man is facing assault charges in Lewis County Superior Court after he allegedly grabbed his brother by the throat during an argument about wearing a face mask on Saturday.
The two brothers reportedly lived with their 79-year-old mother at the time of the Jan. 6 incident. The victim reported his brother had COVID-19 and came downstairs without wearing a face mask, prompting the victim to tell his brother he “was concerned for his mother’s health.” The two reportedly argued until the defendant allegedly “grabbed (the victim) by the throat and threw him against the wall,” according to court documents.
When questioned by law enforcement, the defendant allegedly said “he went downstairs and his brother got into his face, so he grabbed him by the throat and shoved him into the wall,” according to court documents.
The defendant was charged Monday, Jan. 8 with one count of domestic violence second-degree assault and one count of domestic violence fourth-degree assault. He was released Monday afternoon on $10,000 unsecured bail, meaning he can remain out of custody for the duration of his case without paying bail so long as he follows his conditions of release, which include having no contact with his brother.
Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11.