Two Paden City residents have been arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery.

Following an alleged fight at their residence, Ricky L. Wright and Samantha M. Francis were arrested and taken to the Northern Regional Jail. Both posted personal recognizance bonds of $3,000 and were released, according to information from the Wetzel County Magistrate Court.

According to copies of the criminal complaints against Francis and Wright, on Jan. 14 Wetzel County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brooks Parsons responded to a report of a domestic fight on Third Avenue.

As Parsons approached the home, Francis came outside and Parsons noticed “significant swelling” on and around her right eye and cuts below

Francis told the deputy that everything was fine and no assistance was needed, according to the complaint.

The deputy said that inside the home Wright was sitting on the couch. After speaking to him outside he noticed a cut on his lip. Wright told the deputy that Francis had been drinking, attempted to wake him up while he was asleep in bed and then a fight began.

“He claimed that an altercation ensued when (Francis) jumped on top of him and then fell off the bed, hitting her head, which he believed caused the swelling around her eye. He further stated that during the struggle, (Francis) must have hit him, causing the cut on his lip,” the complaint states.

The deputy re-interviewed Francis who initially admitted they both hit each other, but declined to provide more detail. The deputy also spoke with Francis’ mother and sister at the scene.

“(Francis’) mother was on the phone with the complainant, who advised that during a conversation with (Francis), she had stated that Wright ripped her hair out and punched her in the face. The complainant further stated that this type of incident had happened before and expressed concern, believing (Francis) was a victim of ongoing domestic violence and would lie to protect Wright,” according to the complaint.

“I subsequently re-interviewed (Francis) and advised her of the importance of being truthful about the incident. At that point, (Francis) admitted that she was on top of Wright, questioning him about cheating, when he punched her in the face. She further advised that she did hit Wright during this altercation.”