City Council electee Bechtel arrested on assault charges

Newly elected City Council member-to-be Matthew Scott Bechtel Sr. was arrested and jailed late Thursday evening, Nov. 12, after allegedly punching family members. According to Sweet Home police, who stated that they could provide limited details because the incident involved ch ildren, Bechtel, 50, was lodged in Linn County Jail on a charge of felony fourth-degree domestic assault and a misdemeanor count of fourth-degree assault. According to SHPD, officers responded about 10:56 p.m. to Bechtel’s residence, at 108 Holley Road, to a 9-1-1 report of a physical disturbance. An investigation, including interviews with family members and witnesses, determined that Bechtel had been drinking and had become “aggressive” with family members and had punched a child under 15 years of age. Then, when his wife, Deena Palmtag, 41, tried to intervene, he allegedly punched her, too, police said. According to witness statements, further fighting occurred before the parties separated, police said.

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