Burgaw man charged with felony assault by strangulation in domestic violence case

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Burgaw man is facing two felony charges and a misdemeanor after police say he assaulted a woman during a domestic violence incident earlier this month.

According to court records, 35-year-old Kevin Dwight Nichols was arrested June 20 by the Burgaw Police Department. He is charged with felony assault by strangulation, felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury and misdemeanor assault on a female.

Charging documents allege Nichols assaulted Melissa Devane Fields by strangling her with his hands, causing physical injury and petechiae around her neck, a medical finding commonly associated with strangulation. Court records also allege Fields suffered facial injuries, an eye injury, a large amount of bleeding and additional injuries related to the alleged strangulation.

The misdemeanor charge alleges Nichols struck Fields with his hand.

Following Nichols’ arrest, a magistrate ordered that he be held for a district court judge to determine bond. Court documents state the case involves domestic violence and note Nichols has an “extensive history and history of violent crimes.”

On June 22, a district court judge set Nichols’ bond at $100,000 secured and ordered that he have no direct or indirect contact with Fields.

Court records show the case remains pending in Pender County District Court.