Vermont man accused of choking woman, accidentally firing gun during struggle

A Vermont man was arrested Monday on domestic violence charges after allegedly choking a woman and accidentally firing a gun during the struggle.

Newport police say they were called to a home on Short Spring Street around 8 a.m. for a domestic incident with a shot fired. When they arrived they surrounded the home and the suspect, 51-year-old Matthew Payne, eventually came outside.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.

Investigators said Payne choked a woman and accidentally fired a handgun during the struggle.

Payne was arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated domestic assault and reckless endangerment. He was arraigned in Orleans Criminal Court and held without bail.