A troubling incident unfolded in South Carolina where a man faces charges of domestic violence after allegedly assaulting his wife, who was attempting to prevent him from driving under the influence. The 68-year-old Michael Disantos found himself in police custody following a distressing episode at their residence on Boxwood Lane in Spartanburg.

The drama began on a Sunday afternoon when officers from the Spartanburg Police Department were called to the scene. They discovered Disantos’ wife seeking refuge at a neighbor’s home. According to a police report obtained by WHNS, a local Fox affiliate, an argument erupted between the couple after Disantos’ wife smoked his last cigarette. It was then that tensions escalated, with Disantos reportedly intoxicated and making threats.

When Disantos attempted to leave to purchase more cigarettes, his wife intervened by confiscating his car keys. This led to a violent response, with Disantos allegedly striking her in the face, resulting in a bloody nose. Concerned for her safety, she fled to a neighbor’s house and recounted the events to the responding officers.

In her account to the police, she explained her actions were intended to prevent her husband from driving in his impaired state. She further detailed the altercation, during which Disantos supposedly tried to strike her multiple times, though not all attempts were successful. She cited his intoxication and previous health issues, including strokes, as contributing factors to the incident, adding that his anger was partly fueled by her urging him to seek rehabilitation.

When authorities questioned Disantos at the couple’s home, they noted the smell of alcohol on him. Initially denying any wrongdoing, Disantos eventually admitted to the assault. Officers observed bloodstains on his knuckles and a trail of blood leading to the kitchen, corroborating the wife’s account of the altercation.

According to police, Disantos said that his wife took his keys to keep him from buying cigarettes himself. Police wrote that they told Disantos that she was actually trying to prevent him from driving while intoxicated.

Disantos’ wife told police that she did not want to press charges against her husband. He was arrested and booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center after being charged with domestic violence. His bond was set at $1,500 and he was ordered not to have contact with his wife. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026.