Officers with the Knoxville Police Department were called to the 2000 block of Madelyn Drive following a report of domestic violence.
According to the criminal complaint, Robert McMichael, 22, of Knoxville, told officers he had fallen asleep on the couch while the victim was away from the residence. During that time, their two-year-old child managed to leave the home and was later found in the street. The victim discovered the child after returning home.
Court documents state that when the victim went back inside, McMichael and two juveniles were present. An argument began between McMichael and the victim regarding how the child was able to get outside.
The victim told law enforcement she attempted to leave the residence, but McMichael physically restrained her. He allegedly pushed her to the ground and held her there as she tried to get away. At one point, the victim picked up a candle and told McMichael she would strike him if he did not let her leave.
According to court records, the victim said she tried to pull McMichael’s hair and push him off while he was on top of her in an effort to escape. She also reported attempting to call 911, but McMichael took her phone. When she tried to use a tablet belonging to the juveniles to call for help, he allegedly took that as well.
When questioned by officers, McMichael admitted he had taken both the victim’s phone and the tablet.
Following the investigation, officers determined McMichael was the primary aggressor. He was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he was later released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 17.
McMichael is charged with obstruction of emergency communications, a simple misdemeanor, and domestic abuse assault causing injury or mental illness, a first-offense serious misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
