Bourne Selectman Arrested on Assault and Battery Charges

Selectman Michael Blanton of Bourne, Massachusetts, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, according to NBC10 Boston sources.

The 49-year-old, who has served one term as selectman, is charged with assault and battery on a household/family member, assault with a dangerous weapon, intimidation of a witness, threatening to commit a crime, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Bourne police responded Tuesday to a home on Sandwich Road where a woman said Blanton had hit her on Sunday after they had gotten into an argument, according to the Cape Cod Times.

The woman said Blanton then grabbed her by the throat and collarbone before forcing her to the ground. He then allegedly began screaming at her, grabbing her arm and threatening to kill her if she told anyone. Blanton later allegedly grabbed a baseball hat and appeared as if he was going to hit her, according to the Cape Cod Times.

Blanton was arraigned Wednesday in Falmouth District Court and is being held without bail.

The victim had bruising on her head and knees, as well as superficial scratches, according to the Cape Cod Times. She is no longer in the hospital, sources confirmed to NBC10 Boston.

Blanton had no prior record, and the victim had no known restraining orders against him.