ROCKLAND — A Rockland man was arrested Jan. 9 after police say he assaulted his mother and damaged items in the house, including a computer.

Zachary Tainter, 30, was charged with domestic violence assault, criminal mischief and violating a condition of release.

Tainter appeared in Knox County Court Jan. 10. Judge Susan Sparaco set his bail at $1,000 cash. He posted bail and was released from the Knox County Jail Jan. 11.

According to the affidavit filed in court by Rockland police, the victim came to the Rockland police station to report that her son had assaulted her. She walked to the police station from her home on Thomaston Street because she said her son had taken her car keys.

The woman told police that she had an argument with her son who she said was intoxicated and had just smoked spice, a synthetic marijuana, according to the affidavit.

She reported that he was standing inches from her face so she left the house to get away from him. When she returned to her home, he continued his behavior and then squeezed her hard and threw her down on the couch. He repeated the behavior twice and then allegedly took her keys.

When police went to the house, they noted that Tainter smelled of alcohol and was slurring his words, according to the affidavit.

Police arrested Tainter and transported him to the Knox County Jail in Rockland.

He will appear in court again March 1.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com