Men praised for intervening in domestic violence assault

Two men are being praised by law enforcement after they intervened in a domestic violence assault in Skamania County east of Cape Horn on Thursday evening.

Deputies with the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched about 7:30 p.m. to 1352 Riverside Drive for a report of a knife fight in progress, the sheriff’s office reported.

They arrived to find two adult men holding down another man.

After investigating, deputies were told that Richard M. Abbott, 45, of Prindle had become involved in a physical altercation with his live-in girlfriend. A neighbor, Fred Levine, 62, and his friend, Zachary Wilson, 42, heard the fight and stepped in, the sheriff’s office said.

Abbott allegedly then grabbed a knife and cut Levin’s knee, according to the sheriff’s office.

Abbott was arrested on suspicion of second-degree domestic violence strangulation and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

“Mr. Levine and Mr. Watson went above and beyond in order to prevent serious injury to (Abbott’s girlfriend),” Undersheriff Pat Bond said in a press release. “Both men took immediate action without hesitation and their efforts are greatly appreciated.”