March 18, 2024 3:30 a.m.

An Idleyld Park man was jailed Friday for fourth-degree assault and harassment for an alleged prior incident.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said on Wednesday the 44-year-old was at the victim’s house in the 32000 block of North Umpqua Highway to celebrate his birthday. The victim said everyone drank and then went to bed. Her account stated that Thursday morning at 2:00 a.m. the man went to the refrigerator and the victim closed the door to the appliance. The suspect then allegedly grabbed the victim’s throat, scratching her face. The victim said she picked up a chair, but the man took it from her, and struck her with it, injuring her chest.

The victim said she didn’t report the incident right away as the man had been driving her pickup and she was afraid he wouldn’t give it back. The victim had injuries consistent with her story and a witness corroborated it as well.

When interviewed, the suspect denied ever getting into a physical disturbance. The deputy’s report said the man’s story regarding his whereabouts changed three times. The man was detained without bail at 10:20 a.m.