A man accused of striking a man with a crowbar outside a Winlock residence on Sept. 8 — knocking him unconscious and breaking some of his teeth — claims he acted in self defense, according to his defense attorney.
The victim told investigators he had been walking from his trailer to the main residence on his Winlock property when he saw the defendant, Wilford Woodruff, 28, of Winlock, using a crowbar to pry open the door of the victim’s truck, according to court documents.
During the argument that ensued, Woodruff allegedly struck the victim with the crowbar. The victim reported that “the next thing he remembers was his father standing over him,” according to court documents.
Deputies with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find the victim on the ground with his head supported by a folded up jacket and noted “he had blood on his lip and appeared confused.” Deputies also noted the victim “had some broken teeth that appeared to be the result of being struck by a crowbar.”
Medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.
A deputy was able to make contact with Woodruff a few days later. According to Woodruff, he had been attempting to retrieve stolen items from inside the victim’s truck when the victim confronted him and “started attacking him, so he punched in self defense,” according to court documents.
Woodruff was arrested on Sept. 14 and was booked into the Lewis County Jail on one count of second-degree assault.
Judge James Lawler set Woodruff’s bail at $75,000 during a preliminary appearance hearing on Sept. 15 and issued a no contact order in favor of the victim.
Woodruff’s next court appearance is an arraignment hearing scheduled for Sept. 16.
