Woman Charged After Alleged Assault With Cup Of Water; Jailed For Contempt Of Court

SMITHFIELD — A 21-year-old Smithfield woman is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly assaulting a family member and a 3-month-old infant during a domestic disturbance.

Iri Wiggins, of Sunfish Court, was arrested by Smithfield Police on October 2 and charged with simple assault and assault on a child under 12, both misdemeanors.

Police responded to a call around 2:11 p.m. regarding a disturbance at a Smithfield residence, where Wiggins was reportedly intoxicated and causing a disturbance. Officers were present at the scene, awaiting Wiggins’ departure from the home, when the alleged incident occurred.

According to authorities, Wiggins threw a cup of water at an adult relative who was holding a 3-month-old infant. While both were soaked by the water, the cup reportedly struck the infant during the act. Neither the adult nor the child sustained injuries, police said.

Following the alleged assault, Wiggins was taken into custody and transported to the Johnston County Detention Center. During the booking process, officials say Wiggins became uncooperative and used offensive language toward both law enforcement personnel and the magistrate. Due to her behavior, Wiggins had to be placed in a restraint chair during her appearance before the magistrate and subsequently found in contempt of court.

As a result, Wiggins received a 30-day jail sentence for the contempt charge, in addition to the pending misdemeanor assault charges.