On Tuesday the Thayer Police were dispatched to Arch Street in regards to a domestic assault report. Upon arrival officer Nichol made contact with the reporting party who stated her neighbor had been physically assaulted by Eric Novelo who was trying to forcefully enter the house.
The officer spoke to people who were gathered outside of the residence and they stated that Novelo had fled the area on foot, the officer attempted to locate the subject but was unsuccessful and he requested drone use to try to locate him.
Upon returning to the residence Nichol interviewed the victim who was visibly distressed and hold her head indicating an injury, the officer dispatched EMS to give her medical attention. The victim stated that Novelo had been drinking and began verbally abusing her and then hit her in the stomach causing her to fall and hit her head. Novelo had also punched out a window next to the door in attempt to enter.
Neighbors informed officer Nichol of Novelo’s location and they went to talk to him, they found blood on the sidewalk, possibly from cuts from punching out the window. Nichol requested Assistant Chief Martin and K9 officer Combs presence at this location. They announced themselves and no one answered the door. Due to safety concerns from the blood outside the residence and the silence officers decided to enter the residence. They found Novelo to be hiding in the bottom of a closet covered with sheets. He was taken into custody and EMS treated his injuries before he was taken to the Thayer Jail.
Novelo is being held on a $50,000 bond with the charges of Assault 2nd Degree, Buglary 1st Degree, Property Damage 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest.
