FAIRBANKS - A Fairbanks woman is accused of using a butcher knife to threaten her husband of less than three weeks and slash the tires on his car.

Jessica Bender, 23, of Fairbanks, was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on felony charges of first-degree burglary, third-degree assault and third-degree criminal mischief.

Fairbanks police were first called to the Birchwood Homes subdivision at 10:40 p.m. Monday after a witness reported seeing a silver 2006 Dodge Magnum with four flat tires driving down the street.

Police contacted Bender's husband, who told officers that Bender was in a "jealous rage" when she confronted him and accused him of cheating while he was visiting a friend in the 1700 block of Willow Street, according to charging documents.

Bender reportedly forced her way into the Willow Street home and held a butcher knife to her husband's neck. She also attempted to pull him over a couch while holding the knife to his throat, court documents allege.

When she left the house, Bender reportedly told her husband that he could stay there since she had already slashed his tires. Damage to the Magnum was estimated at more than $500.

Bender and her husband were married July 8 after dating since November, according to charging documents.

Fairbanks police Lt. Jim Geier said a report on the incident had not been turned in as of Tuesday evening, and further information on the case was not available.

Magistrate Bethany Harbison set Bender's bail at $15,000 cash, less than the $20,000 requested by prosecutors.

Bender has no prior criminal record.

Contact staff writer Chris Freiberg at 459-7545.

 

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