41-year-old Joseph Waters was charged with domestic assault after his neighbor called the authorities because she heard his girlfriend screaming for help and yelling that she was being raped.
On September 6th, Lebanon Police Officer Rusbridge was dispatched to the Dix Motor Lodge located on 319 West Main Street in reference to a dispute. LaTonya Thornton and Joseph Waters had been arguing for several hours. Thornton said Waters was drinking most of the night leading him to become increasingly hostile and violent.
Latonya stated that Joseph Waters had strangled, slapped, and thrown her into a bathtub causing a knot on her head. The neighbor told officers she heard LaTonya screaming for help and shouting that she was being raped. Injuries were observed and LaTonya Thornton was placed in fear for her safety.
Joseph Waters was arrested and charged with domestic assault and was released on his own recognizance.
