A 20-year-old Chehalis man is accused of assaulting his girlfriend and damaging her vehicle while intoxicated, according to court documents.
Tristan Nicholaus Baker made his initial appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Aug. 4. He has been charged with second-degree malicious mischief, a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Judge Paul Strophy, noting Baker’s lack of criminal history, set bail at $10,000 on Monday. Baker was later released from the Lewis County Jail.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by prosecutors, a Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Aug. 2 responded to the 1100 block off South Tower Avenue in Centralia for a report of an assault that was not in progress. A woman and her father reported that the night before, Baker and the woman had been at a bonfire in the Doty area. Baker reportedly became intoxicated and accused the woman of cheating on him. During the drive away from the bonfire, Baker allegedly grabbed the woman by her face and jaw, leading her to punch him in self defense.
Baker allegedly took the keys out of the vehicle’s ignition and keyed the passenger side door as well as the extended passenger side cab. He also allegedly punched the passenger side mirror, causing it to break. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $1,500.
When contacted by a deputy, Baker allegedly admitted to being frustrated due to his belief the woman had cheated on him, but said he couldn’t remember everything that happened. He admitted to damaging the vehicle, according to court documents.
Baker was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail.
Strophy issued a domestic violence protection order for the victim.
Baker is next scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment and trial setting hearing on Thursday, Aug. 7.
