A Torrington man is under arrest after an alleged domestic violence incident on Sunday. Police say two women were injured, including a severely beaten 80-year-old.
Police first learned of the violence when an injured woman showed up at the Torrington police department. She told officers she had been struck by Martin West, 52, of 64 Victoria St.
When officers arrived at the residence, they say they were met by an uncooperative West, who tried to barricade himself. As they negotiated with West, the 80-year-old woman came out the front door with severe injuries to her head and face. As she was being assisted from the scene, she told officers that West had beaten her with several objects.
Smoke was then seen coming from the front door. As West came to the door to close it, he was grabbed and arrested by police. The smoke, coming from a burning book, was put out.
Both women were hospitalized. The first victim has been treated and released. The older woman is in stable condition with what police considered life-threatening injuries.
West is being held on $1 million bail, charged with first degree assault on an elderly victim, second degree assault, criminal attempt to commit arson, reckless burning and breach of peace.