The Brownwood Police Department issued the following press release Wednesday:

On Friday, December 22, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to a room at the Hampton Inn regarding a report of a domestic disturbance. Another resident phoned 911 stating that they could hear a male beating on a female.

When officers arrived at the room, they made contact with a female who stated that she and her husband were involved in an argument, and he was in their vehicle at this time.

Officers identified the suspect as 46-year-old Charles Selby Stephens. The female explained that she and Stephens reside in New Mexico where they own and operate a hauling service. They made a delivery to the Brownwood area and were in the hotel until the next morning.

The victim explained that she and Stephens went to a local bar for the evening and returned after several drinks. An argument began and Stephens left the room for several minutes but returned when she believed he calmed down.  As he entered the room this time, Stephens pushed the victim onto the bed while choking her and then put a knife to her throat. Stephens spoke of killing her and, in his anger, head butted her several times, which caused an obvious injury to her head. Stephens fled the scene after this assault.

Officers were able to locate Stephens lying on the ground in a nearby field. Stephens was arrested and charged with Assault – Family Violence and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.