(Estherville)– A welfare check at an apartment in Estherville this past Saturday resulted in the arrests of two men, including one for sexual abuse.
Estherville police officers were called to 1215 3rd Avenue South apartment 2 to conduct a welfare check. Officers saw two men and one woman in the apartment. One man, 41-year-old Charles Smith, told officers there was no problem, but Smith deflected questions and tried to keep officers from speaking with the woman. When officers were finally able to speak with her, she told them everything was fine, but indicated with body language that it was not. Another man, 50-year-old Robert Peterson of rural Estherville, then tried to insert himself between officers and the woman and was having a conversation with the woman which officers believed was intimidating. Police then physically entered the residence and removed the woman so she could speak without fear.
Upon completion of interviews, officers arrested Smith for interference with official acts and sexual abuse in the 2nd degree.
Peterson was arrested for interference with official acts.
Smith was also accused of later assaulting a police officer and was additionally charged with assault on a peace officer.
Both Smith and Peterson were booked into the Emmet county jail.
Estherville police were assisted in their investigation by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office.
