Saugerties Man Charged With Hitting and Choking Woman

Saugerties police say a 28-year-old man punched, dragged, and choked a female victim.

On Sunday around 10:30 am, Saugerties Police responded to a 911 call about a dispute on Mill Lane in the Village of Saugerties. Police allege that during a domestic dispute, 28-year-old Jesse J. Smith punched a female victim in the head and the dragged her through the home causing minor injuries. Police also determined that Smith chocked the victim causing her to have difficulty breathing.

Police charged Smith with 2nd-degree strangulation, a felony, and third degree assault, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned in the Village of Saugerties Justice Court and remanded to Ulster County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail. Smith is scheduled to reappear in the Village of Justice Court on Jan. 21.

An order of protection was issued by the Village of Saugerties Justice Court for the victim. She was evaluated by members of Diaz Ambulance, treated, and released.