| A home invasion allegedly turned violent early Saturday morning after a Newton man reportedly kicked in the front door of a home. The intruder entered a residence where his girlfriend was sleeping along US 33-119 near the Calhoun line at Letherbark.
Jason Brell Knight, 28, of Newton was arrested by the Calhoun Sheriff's Department and charged with domestic assault, domestic battery, nighttime burglary and destruction of property.
Deputy Sheriff Justin Metheney said Knight and a female, Jillian Dunlap, 27, of Summersville entered the house about 5 a.m., Knight reportedly assaulted his girlfriend Kristan Melrath and her brother, William Melrath.
Kristan Melrath was taken to Roane General Hospital after Knight began "kneeing her in the stomach and jerking on her wrist."
Melrath told police she was asleep in bed when she heard a loud noise at the front door.
The police report says Knight also attacked William Melrath, who was sleeping on a couch, punching him in the face and stating "I'm going to kill you m----r f----r."
Deputy Metheney, who was assisted by Trooper Pete Fisher of the Spencer State Police, said the house was in complete disarray, indicating Knight "went into a kitchen and began to kick the walls and throw furniture."
Knight and Dunlap exited the house to a car, where he was sitting when police arrived.
When Deputy Metheney took Knight into custody, he said Knight "began to cry, stating to both officers he was sorry for what he had done."
Dunlap began walking along US. 33-119, where officers found her. She was charged with destruction of property and nighttime burglary.
Both were taken to Central Regional Jail.
Read 5/12/2007 COUPLE ARRESTED FOLLOWING HOME INVASION
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