ROCKLAND — A St. George man who was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman and driving recklessly while chasing her after she fled, pleaded not guilty Feb. 1 in Knox County Unified Court.  

Corey Rytky, 35, of St. George, was arrested Feb. 1 by Knox County Sheriff Deputy Paul Pinkham for multiple charges including domestic violence assault, obstructing report of crime or injury, domestic violence terrorizing, criminal mischief and driving to endanger.

Rytky’s bail was set at $2,500 cash at his initial court appearance in front of Judge Susan Sparaco.

According to the police affidavit, the victim reported that when she returned to her home after work, she found Rytky inside and many of her possessions in “disarray.” The victim said that Rytky allegedly became verbally abusive when she tried to get him to leave and threw her cell phone on the floor twice when she attempted to call police. Rytky then began pushing her around the house and after several hours she fled with her two young children but once she got to her car, he allegedly slammed her leg and foot in the car door. The victim was able to secure her children in the car and lock the doors before Rytky punched the side view mirror and broke the glass, the report said.

Police told the victim to drive to the Lil’ Mart convenience store in Thomaston where they would meet her. As she was driving from her home to meet police, Rytky allegedly drove up behind her vehicle, passed her and then pulled in front of the car forcing her to stop at the intersection of Buttermilk Lane and Iron Tree Street. He again attempted to get into the victim’s vehicle and pulled on the door handle so hard that he broke it off the car. Rytky blocked other cars that had to stop so he backed into a driveway and drove away, according to court documents.

Police identified rubber tire marks on the road and found the broken pieces from the door handle, confirming the victim’s report.

Sgt. Lance Mitchell and Deputy Arthur Smith assisted with apprehending Rytky before he was transported to the Knox County Jail in Rockland.

Rytky’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 25.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com