Staff Report

William Alex Swango

Elaine Fay Smith

PIERCETON — Two people were arrested on battery and strangulation charges after an alleged domestic incident.

William Alex Swango, 48, 12180 N. Creek Bend Lane, Milford; and Elaine Fay Smith, 40, 322 N. 900E, Pierceton, are each charged with domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and strangulation, both level 6 felonies; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.

On May 29, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a domestic dispute in Pierceton. The deputy spoke with Smith, who said she and Swango were arguing when Swango became physically abusive toward her.

According to court documents, Swango allegedly hit Smith several times on the head and hit her two times on her left side with a hammer. He also used both of his hands to squeeze Smith’s neck. The deputy noticed red marks on Smith’s neck, chest and left side.

Swango told the deputy that Smith became angry and kicked him in the groin two times while he was laying down. About two hours later, Smith woke up Swango and bit him one time on each shoulder and once on his neck. Swango also said Smith grabbed him by the throat and squeezed. The deputy noticed red marks on Swango’s neck and shoulders.

Swango and Smith both have already been arrested and released on their own recognizances. They have initial hearings at 11 a.m. Monday, June 27, in Kosciusko Superior Court One.