A Packwood man faces up to 10 years in prison after he allegedly strangled and punched his 17-year-old son after the son refused to give him a phone.
The son is reportedly on juvenile probation.
Walter K. Walker II, is charged with one count of second-degree assault, domestic violence.
Walker made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Monday.
Commissioner Cailen Cecil, citing a lack of criminal history, granted the state’s request to release Walker on a $50,000 unsecured bond.
“These are very serious charges, and I’m concerned about the allegations,” Cecil said.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor William Halstead indicated the alleged situation “just got out of hand,” and said Walker had been cooperative with law enforcement.
“It will never happen again," Walker said during the hearing. “I went overboard.”
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said Walker had no felony history or assault-like history on his record.
Cecil granted Halstead’s request for a pretrial no-contact order on behalf of the alleged victim, along with an order for Walker to surrender any firearms within his possession.
Cecil said the no-contact order prohibited texts, social media posts, or communication through a third party.
According to a probable cause affidavit, a Lewis County sheriff’s deputy responded to the home on May 10 after Walker reported that his son was “not complying with the terms of his probation.”
A second caller reportedly alleged Walker had strangled the 17-year-old.
After speaking with the alleged victim and observing injuries to his neck and chin, the deputy reportedly watched a video filmed by another occupant which corroborated the victim’s account.
The assault allegedly occurred after the victim refused to give his phone to Walker.
Walker was scheduled to appear for an arraignment on Thursday.
