A Knoxville man has been taken into custody following a domestic abuse incident Thursday. At around 6:00 p.m., Knoxville Police officers were dispatched to the Red Carpet Inn in regards to a criminal mischief complaint. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a female who was visibly distraught. She advised officers that she had been staying at the motel, and her husband, 38-year-old Jeffery Lee Pearson, entered her room and assaulted her. Pearson allegedly left the scene, and was not present when officers were on the scene.

Officers searched the room and found it to be in “complete disarray.” The victim showed marks on her skin, showing she had been assaulted. Officers later made contact with Pearson, and conducted an interview. Pearson stated that he did not enter the room with force, but that the victim let him in. He was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail without incident. He faces charges of Domestic Abuse Assault third offense, as well as criminal mischief charges.