Prosecutors allege that former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith threatened to kill his wife and repeatedly tried to strike her with a vehicle.
The Sarpy County Attorney’s Office outlined the allegations during Smith’s bond hearing on Wednesday in Nebraska.
The incident allegedly began on July 26 after Smith was removed from a concert held as part of the Gretna Days festival.
Prosecutors said Smith threatened to kill his wife unless she entered his vehicle and returned home with him. He allegedly grabbed and pushed her inside.
His wife managed to leave the vehicle during the journey, according to the county attorney’s account. Smith allegedly continued making threats and demanded that she get back inside.
After they reached their home in Gretna, she exited again. Investigators allege Smith then tried several times to strike her with the vehicle, but she moved out of its path and was not injured.
Local outlet NTV reported that witnesses helped Smith’s wife and their children leave the property after he entered the house. Prosecutors also alleged that witnesses heard gunshots inside and that Smith threatened to take his own life if law enforcement entered.
An arrest warrant was issued the following day, and Smith subsequently turned himself in. As POST Wrestling reported on Tuesday, he was booked into Sarpy County Jail on three felony counts.
The charges are attempted first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment. Judge George Thompson set bond at $500,000 and ordered Smith to have no contact with his wife. He also cannot leave Nebraska without court approval.
Smith was released after posting bond and waived his preliminary hearing, moving the case to district court. His next appearance is scheduled for August 17.
The 38-year-old has not publicly addressed the allegations.
