South Carolina Husband Arrested After Punching Wife Who Tried to Stop Him From Driving Drunk, Police Say
SOUTH CAROLINA — A 68-year-old Spartanburg man was arrested after police say he punched his wife in the face when she tried to stop him from driving drunk during an argument that began over his last cigarette.
The suspect, Michael Disantos, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon after officers found his wife seeking help at a neighbor’s home on Boxwood Lane, according to a police report obtained from the Spartanburg Police Department.
Argument Over Cigarette Spirals Into Violence
Investigators say the dispute started when the wife smoked her husband’s last cigarette, causing Disantos to become angry. She told police he was intoxicated, threatened her, and planned to drive to buy more cigarettes.
When she grabbed his car keys to stop him from driving drunk, Disantos allegedly struck her in the face, leaving her with a bloody nose. She fled to a neighbor’s home and told officers that her husband had tried to hit her several more times but missed due to his intoxicated state and prior strokes.
The woman said she only took the keys to prevent a DUI or potential crash, not to escalate the argument.
Police Find Blood Trail, Suspect Smelling of Alcohol
Officers who interviewed Disantos at the home said he smelled strongly of alcohol and initially denied hitting his wife. According to the report, he later admitted to striking her.
Authorities also noted:
- Blood on Disantos’ knuckles
- A trail of blood on the floor leading to the kitchen
- Evidence consistent with a physical altercation
Police told Disantos that his wife’s actions were intended to protect him and others from harm, not to provoke him.
Victim Declines Charges, But Police Proceed With Arrest
Despite her injuries, the wife told officers she did not wish to press charges. However, under South Carolina’s domestic violence laws, police may proceed when physical harm is evident.
Disantos was charged with domestic violence and booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center. A judge set bond at $1,500 and ordered the suspect to have no contact with his wife.
His next court hearing is scheduled for February 26, 2026.
Community Impact and Warning Signs
Domestic violence advocates note that attempts to stop an impaired driver often create highly volatile situations. Police say this case underscores the dangers of mixing alcohol, anger, and access to a vehicle.
Officers also emphasized that physical violence—regardless of the underlying argument—poses a serious threat to victims.
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