Man Allegedly Hits Tiverton Woman In Head With Broomstick

The victim in last week's received a domestic assault charge of his own from after new information surfaced that he reportedly struck his alleged assailant in the head with a broomstick.

John A. Peckham, 43, of Tiverton, was arrested May 28 at 5:01 p.m. He was charged with domestic aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony.

Lt. Patrick Jones said police responded to a Lake Road residence in the early morning hours of May 24 for a report of a domestic assault, and spoke to Peckham, who said he got into an argument with his alleged assailant, Natasha Moreira, when she allegedly bit him in the left breast area of the chest. The woman reportedly left the scene before police arrived, but police caught up to her on Crandall Road in a vehicle matching the description given by the Peckham. She was taken into custody, and during the inventory search, Jones said police found three plastic baggies and a folded $1 bill, containing a substance that tested positive for cocaine. Police also reportedly found a knife with a blade longer than three inches.

When detectives later spoke to Moreira, Jones alleged Peckham was the actual aggressor in the incident. Moreira said Peckham struck her in the head with a broomstick, causing a large bruise and swollen welt behind her right ear.

"The reason she bit him in the chest was due to the fact he had her in a headlock," Jones said. "These injuries were found during an emergency room visit."

Police reportedly took photos of Moreira's head, arms, hands and forearms, which appeared to be consistent with her allegations. Jones said they obtained an arrest warrant for Peckham, and he was stopped on Bulgarmarsh Road on Monday after an officer recognized him and took him into custody.

Jones noted that Moreira's charges are still pending, as the matter has been referred to the Attorney General's office.