Laytonville man accused of choking, shooting at former partner during alleged custody dispute
A Laytonville man has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence battery and other charges, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
On the night of Monday, July 19, deputies responded to a report of a domestic violence incident on the 900 block of Woodman Creek Road, where an argument between 32-year-old Casey Riggs and his girlfriend had allegedly escalated to the point of violence. The victim was fortunately able to escape the home by the time deputies arrived.
Investigators learned that Riggs and the victim, who share two children from a former relationship, had gotten into an argument over child custody after having dinner together. Riggs reportedly took the children home and their mother followed in her own car. As she pulled into Riggs’ driveway, he began kicking her car. When she got out, the argument continued until Riggs allegedly physically assaulted her, including choking her and striking her in the face several times.
When she tried to leave, Riggs continued to assault her by dragging her through the house by her hair and out into the backyard, where he took her phone and threw it into the distance. When she broke free to go look for it, Riggs allegedly retrieved a rifle and a pistol from the house. Deputies say he fired two shots at her with the rifle, and one shot with the pistol. The victim was not hit and ultimately managed to make it back to her car and escape the scene.
As they investigated, deputies reportedly saw Riggs driving up and down the highway looking for the victim. They were able to pull him over and take him into custody without further incident.
A subsequent search of the home revealed that the two children were safe. Deputies also found three firearms (pictured below), including a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun in an open drawer in a bedroom where one of the children had been sleeping. Ammunition was also located and two of the firearms came back stolen.
Riggs remains in custody at the Mendocino County Jail on $150,000 bond.
