LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – Treatment-focused probation has been ordered for a Lake Havasu City man charged in a domestic violence incident that injured a female adult. Lake Havasu police responded on April 14 to the disturbance at the defendant’s home in the 3600 block of Tehachapi Drive.
Police reported that an argument between the woman and Damon Thorson, 32, escalated when he grabbed her hair, pushed her down and brandished a kitchen knife. The victim was cut when she attempted to take the knife from Thorson.
Thorson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct involving a weapon. Defense attorney Marcus Spradlin told Judge Ryan Esplin that alcohol and substance abuse were underlying factors in the commission of the crime.
Police reported that Thorson’s blood alcohol content was measured at 0.193% after his arrest.
“This case is about alcohol. That’s pretty clear,” Judge Esplin said. He ordered that Thorson comply with plea deal terms requiring him to engage and anger management, domestic violence and substance abuse counseling.
Judge Esplin expressed concern that Thorson is employed as a bartender, a poor environment for a person battling alcohol abuse issues. Thorson said he has remained sober since the incident and needs the job to generate sufficient income to support his family.
Judge Esplin placed Thorson on probation for two years and directed him to perform 40 hours of community work service.
