Friday, July 31 | 11:31 p.m.

BY JOHN BRANTON AND LAURA MCVICKER
COLUMBIAN STAFF WRITERS

“Lou Peterson, a member of the Washougal City Council, has been released from the Clark County Jail after being arrested Tuesday on suspicion of assaulting his female companion, police said.

The incident was reported shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, when Robin Middleton called 911 from Peterson’s home at 477 I St., said Sgt. Kim Yamashita with the Washougal Police Department.

Yamashita said the couple had a verbal disagreement, with Peterson threatening to move out, and they argued about their cell phone account.

Middleton told police she was frightened of Peterson’s alleged aggressive behavior and locked herself in a bedroom to get away from him.

Peterson allegedly kicked the bedroom door open, damaging it, and the door hit Middleton in the arm, bruising it, Yamashita said.

Middleton told police Peterson pushed her against a closet door, causing pain to her shoulder.

Peterson then allegedly pulled the cable wire out of a TV, saying the account was his and he wouldn’t pay for her to use it anymore. He also threatened to throw her belongings in the front yard, and she called 911, Yamashita said.

When police arrived, Peterson denied assaulting Middleton and said the couple was just having an argument.

Police took Peterson to jail on suspicion of fourth-degree domestic-violence assault, Yamashita said.

Officers also are asking prosecutors to consider filing a charge of third-degree malicious mischief for allegedly damaging the bedroom door.

Peterson later was released from the jail, Yamashita said.

The Columbian was unable to reach Peterson for comment. The home is owned by Robert B. Anderson, according to county property records.

Peterson, 47, is running for his third four-year term on the city council. He faces three challengers in the Aug. 18 primary. He works as a life skills counselor with developmentally disabled children.”