Taunton mayor pleads not guilty after domestic incident with husband

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell pleaded not guilty in court today to charges of assault involving an incident with her husband that happened over the weekend. O’Connell was charged with assault and battery on a family member, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Over the weekend, according to the police report, officials responded to the home of O’Connell and her husband Ted after receiving a call about a domestic incident.

When they arrived, they were greeted by her husband standing in the driveway who said the two had gotten into an argument that had gotten physical.

Her husband told police that O’Connell proceeded to bite him on the forearm and grab a gasket cleaner, hitting him in the hand.

He continued that he tried to leave in their car, but O’Connell got on the hood of the car so he wasn’t able to leave.

Photo from the Taunton Police report shows a picture of O’Connell’s car. (Photo obtained by ABC 6 news)

Officers observed injuries on him, and a dent in the car.

O’Connell was found in the residence, and told officers she didn’t know how her husband got her injuries.

Photo from the Taunton Police report shows a picture of O’Connell’s husband after he was allegedly assaulted. (Photo obtained by ABC 6 news)

O’Connell then went on to say he was verbally abusive to her, and she was placed under arrest.

Photo from the Taunton Police report shows a picture of O’Connell’s husband after he was allegedly assaulted. (Photo obtained by ABC 6 news)

O’Connell’s office has since released a statement on the incident.

“During an argument Ted involved the police and regrets making that decision,” said O’Connell.

“We ask for privacy for our family on personal issues as we work through this matter,” she said.

O’Connell said she and her husband have been married for 27 years, and like all couples, have their challenges and are working through their marital issues.

Photo from the Taunton Police report show a picture of the gasket scraper O’Connell allegedly used when she allegedly assaulted her husband. (Photo obtained by ABC 6 news)

O’Connell’s next court date is set for September 12.