Authorities in Knoxville are investigating a domestic assault after a woman was reportedly attacked by her boyfriend. Police say the incident left the victim with visible injuries and damaged a vehicle.
On December 21 at approximately 6:13 p.m., the Knoxville Police Department was dispatched to the 400 block of East Robinson Street in response to a report of a domestic assault.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who stated she is currently in a relationship with Shane Sylvester, 37, of Knoxville. According to court records, the victim reported that Sylvester arrived at her residence around 3:00 p.m., but she did not hear him knock on the door. At approximately 3:30 p.m., she realized Sylvester had been waiting outside the residence. Court documents indicate Sylvester became upset that it took the victim about 30 minutes to realize he was outside.
The victim told officers the two later went for a drive and returned to the parking lot of her residence at approximately 4:30 p.m. While still inside the vehicle, Sylvester allegedly reached over and grabbed the victim around the throat with both hands while simultaneously calling her obscene names. The victim stated she was unable to breathe during the incident and experienced pain due to the pressure applied to her neck.
Police reports also note Sylvester caused damage to the vehicle by smashing the windshield, with estimated damages ranging from $300 to $750.
Officers observed and documented a photograph of the victim’s neck, which reportedly showed a fresh, large red mark on the left side of her neck.
Sylvester was later located by authorities at a residence outside of the county. He admitted to officers that he had been in the vehicle with the victim but denied that any physical altercation occurred.
Sylvester is currently being held at the Marion County Jail. Bond has been set at $5,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 30. A no-contact order has been issued.
Sylvester is charged with domestic abuse impeding air or blood flow causing bodily injury, a Class D felony; first-degree harassment, an aggravated misdemeanor; and fourth-degree criminal mischief, a serious misdemeanor.
