Update: Mattituck man with lengthy criminal history held on $25K bail

UPDATE: A Mattituck man who police said forcibly led a female relative into a house by her hair Monday night before head-butting and shoving her to the ground is being held on $25,000 cash bail following his arraignment Tuesday afternoon.

Joel Jepson, 50, who prosecutors said has a lengthy criminal history including 16 prior convictions, was arraigned before Southold Town Justice William Price on misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment and harassment, police said.

In a press release, Southold Town police said they responded to 425 Pacific Street in Mattituck shortly after 9 p.m. Monday to a report of a woman screaming for help.

On Tuesday prosecutors said Mr. Jepson, who was arrested in June for driving with a suspended license, has an extensive criminal record that includes 10 felony convictions, three of which are violent felonies.

Mr. Jepson, who did not have an attorney present Tuesday but told Justice Price he plans on hiring one, did not enter a plea. He is set to reappear in Southold Town Justice Court Friday morning.

Original Story: A 50-year-old Mattituck man was arrested Monday night for allegedly assaulting a woman and holding her against her will, Southold Town police said.

Police responded to 425 Pacific Street in Mattituck to a report of a woman screaming for help a little after 9 p.m. The first officer on scene managed  to get the woman out of the house while the suspect, Joel Jepson, retreated inside.

Mr. Jepson refused to leave the house, police said. Suffolk County’s Emergency Services Unit and hostage negotiation teams responded to assist Southold police.

Mr. Jepson later exited and was taken into custody. He was charged with unlawful imprisonment and harassment, both misdemeanors, police said. He was taken to police headquarters and held overnight for arraignment, police said.

Police did not disclose the victim’s age or relationship to Mr. Jepson.

Mr. Jepson was also arrested in June for driving with a suspended license, according to a previous report.