A Mountain View man has been arrested following allegations of assaulting his girlfriend, interfering with her ability to call for help, and improperly possessing marijuana. The suspect, 51-year-old Robert Trask Swanson, is being held in the Stone County Detention Center with a bond set at $50,000.
According to an affidavit from the Mountain View Police Department, officers responded to a report at the Stone County Medical Center, where the victim described being physically assaulted by Swanson at their shared home. She reported that the assault lasted over 45 minutes and resulted in injuries to her face, chest, arm, and foot. Police observed red marks on her face, consistent with her account.
The victim stated that Swanson repeatedly grabbed her face and throat, choking her and restricting her ability to breathe. She further alleged that Swanson took her phone to prevent her from calling 911.
While officers were taking the victim’s statement, Swanson arrived at the hospital to seek treatment for an injury. He was arrested after completing medical evaluation. During Swanson’s arrest, he reportedly asked officers if he could return marijuana in his possession to a friend. Officers noted Swanson had a valid medical marijuana card, but the marijuana was not stored in an approved container. Swanson claimed a friend had shared marijuana from a recent dispensary purchase.
Swanson faces a felony charge of aggravated assault on a family or household member. He is also charged with misdemeanor interference with emergency communications and possession of a controlled substance. Additionally, a penalty enhancement has been applied due to Swanson’s status as a habitual offender.
Court records show Swanson has a history of legal troubles. He was arrested twice in Stone County in 2020 on charges including aggravated assault on a family or household member, possession of firearms by certain persons, violation of a domestic protection order, and driving on a suspended license. He was sentenced to five years of probation following those incidents.
Swanson also has a criminal record in Florida, where he was convicted on charges of burglary, theft, and domestic violence. The current case adds to this extensive legal history.