Maricopa man arrested, cops say he 'destroyed the house'

A 27-year-old Desert Passage man is accused of domestic violence after he “vandalized” his home on Tuesday, according to police.

At around 6 p.m. that evening, Matthew Richardson said his wife had to “hang up and help with childcare,” according to a probable cause statement.

An argument ensued, during which Richardson knocked over several large pieces of furniture, threw children's toys, and took his wife's phone hostage as she attempted to call 911. She attempted to use a tablet computer to send an instant message to emergency responders, but Richardson allegedly snatched the tablet from her as well.

At that moment, she was able to grab her phone and call the police, whereupon Richardson fled the scene to avoid justice. It wasn't long before the police contacted him and he confessed everything.

According to the probable cause statement, two children under the age of 10 were present in the Peggy Street home during the incident. The woman, who was not injured, held one of the young children during the altercation.

Richardson was arrested without incident and booked into the Pinal County Jail. He is charged with domestic violence, assault, disturbing the peace and obstructing an emergency call. He faces 18 months in prison.

Resources for people experiencing domestic violence in Maricopa include: