PARIS – Traffic was rerouted around Moore Park Tuesday night as local and county police converged on a Park Street residence in response to a reported assault.

Robert Powell, 41, of 2 Station Road, Beverly, Mass., was arrested and charged with domestic violence assault in connection with the incident at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday by Paris Police Officer Raymond Parr.

Six officers from the Paris, Norway and Oxford police departments, and the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department responded when Powell’s former girlfriend, a 51-year-old woman, called police at 9:30 p.m.

Paris Police Chief David Verrier said the woman, whom he declined to name, suffered bruising and swelling after Powell allegedly tried to choke and suffocate her. Verrier said the couple was estranged, and that Powell had been living with the woman on weekends.

He said Powell fled into the woods, and police were unable to locate him.

Parr returned the next morning to the residence to find Powell there, and he made the arrest.

The woman declined to seek medical attention for her injuries, Verrier said.

Police decided to reroute traffic because they were uncertain if Powell was still in the residence when they arrived.

Powell was taken to the Oxford County Jail, where he was being held Wednesday on $250 cash bail.

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