A McAlester man is facing a felony kidnapping charge after police say he assaulted the victim and prevented her from leaving a home during a domestic dispute recently.
Rocky Marcus Murdaugh Jr., 37, is charged with kidnapping and domestic abuse/assault and battery following the Feb. 28 incident at a residence in the 200 block of East Polk Avenue.
According to a probable cause affidavit, McAlester police were dispatched to the residence around 8 p.m. for a reported domestic disturbance. Officers spoke with the alleged victim, who said Murdaugh grabbed her by the neck when she returned home and pushed her into a bathroom while attempting to beat her and prevent her from leaving.
The woman told officers she ran out the back door and jumped a fence, where she encountered a friend who had arrived in a pickup truck. According to an affidavit, she said Murdaugh approached the vehicle, allegedly attempted to drag her from it and continued hitting and kicking her before the friend returned and drove her away from the scene.
Police documented scratch marks, bite marks and other injuries, as well as damage inside the home including a pair of glasses knocked to the bathroom floor during the altercation, according to the report.
Officers later returned to the residence after a neighbor reported Murdaugh had come back. Police took him into custody without further incident, the affidavit states.
Prosecutors allege Murdaugh prevented the woman from leaving the residence after assaulting her, leading to the kidnapping charge, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The domestic abuse/assault and battery charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Court records also indicate Murdaugh has prior felony convictions in Pittsburg County for assault with a dangerous weapon and feloniously pointing a firearm. He was given a $25,000 bond and his next court date is set for March 12.