9/11: A Case Study

On Thursday 11/11/16 at 2131 hours I was dispatched to a verbal domestic at
Sierra Meadows apartment #95 located at 2455 F ST SE in the City of Auburn,
King Co, WA. Dispatch advised the reporting person Lawrence Miller stated he and his girlfriend, Richelle Bibbs, had been arguing for the past several days.

I contacted Miller at his apartment and he stated Bibbs had left on foot in an unknown direction. I asked Miller if he knew where Bibbs might go, and he stated he did not know. I asked Miller if Bibbs if had a cell phone, and he said she did not, because her last phone was shut off a few days ago.

I asked Miller what had happened, and he told me at about 2100 hours he and
Bibbs were in an argument inside their apartment regarding rent.
Miller went on to explain he and Bibbs had been dating for the past couple months, and moved into the apartment a few weeks ago. Miller said Bibbs has not been paying rent, and she had assaulted him a few days prior at Kent station.
Miller said during that incident Bibbs punched him in the face, cutting the inside of his lip. I asked Miller if he reported that incident to the Police, and he replied that he did not at the time, but called 911 later and spoke to Auburn Police department regarding the incident.

Using a local database I located a verbal domestic between Miller and Bibbs, which occurred on 11/07/16. Reference Auburn case number #16-13884.

Miller went on to say tonight while he and Bibbs he asked her to leave his apartment. Miller said Bibbs told him she would leave the next day, but Miller continued to tell her to leave. Miller stated Bibbs became very angry and pushed him to the ground. Miller said Bibbs pushed the front if his face with both hands. Miller explained he had been drinking, so his balance was not the best, and when Bibbs pushed him he lost his balance and fell to the ground on his back. It should be noted while speaking with Miller, he had slightly slurred speech, but did not appear to be overly intoxicated.

Miller said as he was standing up, Bibbs picked up a clothing iron in her right hand. Miller stated he believed Bibbs picked up the iron to strike him with
it, so he moved toward Bibbs, and grabbed her by the wrist until she dropped the iron. I asked Miller if Bibbs tried to hit him with the iron, and he said she did not, but because she had just pushed him, he believed she might hit him with the iron.

Miller stated after Bibbs dropped the iron, he let go of her, and called 911.
Miller said while he was calling 911, Bibbs got dressed, and left the apartment on foot shortly after.

I asked Miller if he was injured and/or needed aid, and he said he did not.

I obtained a video statement from Miller using my department cell phone. I copied the statement to the V:drive. I did not take photographs of Miller, but he had no injuries, and you can clearly see him on the video statement.

While I was contacting Miller Officer D. Foster did an area check for Bibbs, but he was unable to locate her.

I advised Miller to call 911 if Bibbs came back to the apartment. At this time of this report, Bibbs' location is still unknown.

Because Bibbs assaulted Miller by pushing his face, there is probable cause to charge Bibbs with RCW 9A.36.041 DV Assault 4th Degree.

This case is being forwarded to the City of Auburn Prosecutor's Officer for review and filing of charges.