Man facing rape, strangulation, other charges in Paducah

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – A man faces rape, strangulation and other charges in Paducah.

Martin J. Smith, 34, of Bechtold Road, faces of first-degree rape/domestic violence, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault/domestic violence, and alcohol intoxication.

A woman reported to police that he raped and strangled her, and refused to let her leave the motel where they were staying.

A woman told police she and Martin J. Smith got into an argument early Saturday morning, December 2.

She said Smith assaulted her and then choked her until she lost consciousness.

The woman told police that Smith then raped her.

She said she tried to escape when Smith fell asleep, but he woke and dragged her into the bathroom by her hair.

The woman escaped early Saturday afternoon.

She came to the police department Sunday to report it.

Offiicers said she had visible injuries. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Detectives investigated and obtained an arrest warrant for Smith.

He was arrested Sunday night when an officer recognized him walking along Kentucky Avenue behind police department headquarters.

The officer knew Smith had active warrants and stopped him. Police say he was intoxicated and refused to give his name.

Smith was booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.