Authorities in South Carolina took a Spartanburg man into custody on Saturday, charging him with domestic assault against his spouse.
The incident unfolded Saturday afternoon, prompting Spartanburg Police to respond to a residence where a woman reported that her husband, 68-year-old Michael Disantos, had threatened her after she smoked his last cigarette, according to WHNS. When he attempted to leave the house to purchase more cigarettes, she withheld his keys due to his intoxicated state.
This led to an altercation during which he allegedly struck her in the face. Officers observed visible blood and bruises on her face when they arrived at a neighbor’s residence, where she had sought refuge following the assault.
Upon visiting the Disantos home, the police confronted Michael Disantos, who initially denied any physical or verbal threats towards his wife. He expressed frustration with her for consuming his alcohol and cigarettes, and for preventing him from accessing either. Officers noted he was under the influence, as he struggled to stand.
He eventually confessed to hitting her, and officers discovered blood on his knuckles and traces of blood leading to the kitchen.
Additionally, the wife informed the police that her husband was upset because she encouraged him to seek help for his alcoholism.
Disantos was charged with third degree domestic violence and was ordered held on a $1,500 bond with orders to stay away from his wife if he’s released, Law&Crime reported. He returns to court in February.
