Photo Courtesy Paducah Police Department
PADUCAH, Ky. (News First) — Martin J. Smith, 34, of Bechtold Road, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree rape/domestic violence, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree strangulation, fourth-degree assault/domestic violence, and alcohol intoxication, according to the Paducah Police Department.
Smith’s arrest comes after a woman reported to the police that she had been raped, strangled, and held against her will at a local motel. The victim informed law enforcement that she and Smith engaged in an argument early Saturday morning, during which Smith allegedly assaulted and choked her until she lost consciousness. Subsequently, the woman reported that she was raped by Smith. Despite attempting to escape when Smith fell asleep, she claimed he woke up and forcibly dragged her into the bathroom by her hair.
The woman managed to escape on early Saturday afternoon and subsequently reported the incident to the police on Sunday. Upon examination, officers noted visible injuries on the victim, who was then taken to a local hospital for treatment. Detectives conducted an investigation, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Smith.
Smith was apprehended on Sunday night when a vigilant officer, recognizing him walking along Kentucky Avenue behind police department headquarters, intervened. Aware of Smith’s active warrants, the officer stopped him, but Smith, who was intoxicated, refused to provide his name.
Smith is now in custody at McCracken County Regional Jail, facing the charges outlined in the arrest warrants issued by the Paducah Police Department.
