Local man denies

domestic assault

A Rutland man who allegedly tackled a woman and fought with her for possession of her purse is behind bars after denying a felony domestic assault charge.

Michael R. Wheeler, 42, pleaded innocent in Rutland criminal court to a charge of second-degree aggravated domestic assault.

Judge Theresa DiMauro set bail at $10,000 for Wheeler, who remains jailed in Springfield.

Wheeler was arrested Sunday night after a woman told police he assaulted her outside his home on Spruce Street in Rutland.