If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TTY 1-800-437-1220. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.
A man allegedly dragged a woman out of a pickup truck and struck her repeatedly in Holden on Sunday morning.
Merrill Muncey, 39, of Holden was charged with operating after revocation, domestic violence assault and violating his conditions of release, according to the Holden Police Department.
Muncey was driving in the area of Mann Hill and Kidder Hill roads about 8:50 a.m. when a witness saw Muncey allegedly drag a woman out of the passenger side of the pickup truck, toss her phone and strike her several times before leaving, Holden police said Monday.
An officer found the woman, who was subsequently arrested for violating her conditions of release.
Muncey was arrested Monday morning and taken to the Penobscot County Jail in Bangor, where he is being held without bail, according to the jail’s website.
Muncey, whose license was revoked, was out on probation for a 2019 manslaughter conviction.
Muncey was driving a blue 2003 GMC Sierra pickup on Route 9, also known as the Airline Road, in Township 28 about 1:30 a.m. on June 11, 2018, when he drifted onto the shoulder, and then overcorrected, causing the truck to skid, roll over and come to a rest on its wheels on the side of the road.
His passenger, 37-year-old Tonya R. Leach of Patten, died as a result of her injuries, while Muncey was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor for treatment of injuries not considered life-threatening.
In February 2019, he was charged with manslaughter and aggravated criminal operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicants.
He was accused of violating his bail conditions that March while staying with his father in Holden, where he allegedly used alcohol and marijuana. Muncey was again accused of violating his bail conditions in East Millinocket, where he allegedly consumed alcohol and violated his curfew at a New Year’s Eve party that year.
Muncey was accused of violating his bail conditions again last summer, when police in Brewer found him allegedly in possession of methamphetamine and alcohol.
