Man Charged With Assault, Kidnapping

A Cuba man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting and kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, violating a full order of protection just days after it was issued.

Vincent K. Smith has been charged with second-degree domestic assault, second-degree kidnapping and violation of an adult protection order following a series of events reported on June 26.

Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital after receiving reports of a woman being assaulted and held against her will by Smith, her ex-boyfriend. The victim, identified in court documents as the protected party in a full order of protection issued June 17, told troopers that Smith had contacted her and asked her to visit him in Cuba, Missouri.

Initially, the visit appeared to be peaceful, and the two reportedly went swimming. But tensions escalated rapidly when the victim received a phone call. According to her statement, Smith flew into a rage, accused her of cheating, and threatened to kill her. She said he then began choking her and at one point attempted to crash their vehicle by grabbing the steering wheel.

The situation worsened when they returned to Smith’s residence. The victim said Smith physically restrained her, tried to take her phone and car keys, and choked her to the point she vomited. She also reported that he pulled her by the hair and bit her nose. Another woman, identified in court documents as T.A.D., arrived to give Smith a ride. The victim said Smith briefly forced her toward the woman’s SUV, but she was able to escape and lock herself in her vehicle. Smith then fled the scene in the SUV with the other woman.

Photographs taken at the hospital documented visible injuries on the victim, including bruises on her arms, neck, nose, and hands.

Later that day, law enforcement located Smith at a home in Steelville. According to officers, Smith was intoxicated, uncooperative, and resisted arrest, requiring multiple deputies to transport him to the Crawford County Jail. During the ride, Smith allegedly made repeated threats toward the arresting trooper and kicked the patrol vehicle's dashboard and door. Deputies ultimately had to move him to a caged patrol car to complete the transport.

T.A.D., the woman who gave Smith a ride, confirmed she witnessed Smith attacking the victim and trying to drag her toward the SUV. She provided a written statement to investigators.

Authorities say Smith was aware of the protection order, which was still in effect at the time of the incident. 

He remains in custody at the Crawford County Jail.