A Chehalis man faces allegations he assaulted his wife after an argument on July 4.
Seth B. Erickson, 34, is charged with single counts of second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault, both considered domestic violence offenses.
Second-degree assault is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. Fourth-degree assault is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Erickson made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday. Judge Joely Yeager set Erickson’s bail at $25,000 cash or bond, in agreement with the state’s request, citing concern for community safety — particularly the victim in the case.
The judge granted the state’s request for a domestic violence no-contact order on behalf of the victim and an order for Erickson to surrender any firearms within his possession.
A civil protection order was also filed against Erickson on Monday.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Chehalis police responded to a reported verbal dispute on July 4. Upon arrival, police “could hear a male ranting inside the residence.”
An officer knocked on the door and spoke to Erickson, who said he had “lost his temper” during an argument, according to the affidavit.
When asked whether the argument had turned physical, Erickson allegedly said, “Not really,” but later said his wife “might have lost a little hair,” which he said was his fault.
Another officer spoke with the woman, who alleged that Erickson had thrown her onto a bed, hit her face and “placed his hands around her neck,” according to the affidavit.
After being arrested, Erickson allegedly said he “snapped,” and said he might have pushed her onto the bed a “little bit,” but denied hitting the woman.
When asked if he’d put his hands on his wife’s throat, Erickson allegedly said, "I might have, I don't think so."
According to the affidavit, the woman wrote a statement describing the alleged assault.
Erickson is scheduled for an arraignment on Thursday.
