Paducah man arrested on rape and other charges

A Paducah man was arrested Sunday night after a woman reported he allegedly raped and strangled her and refused to let her leave the motel where they were staying.

The woman told Paducah police she and Martin J. Smith got into an argument early Saturday morning. 

She said Smith assaulted her, then choked her until she lost consciousness.

The woman said Smith then raped her.

The woman added she tried to escape when Smith fell asleep but he awoke and dragged her into the bathroom by her hair.

The woman was able to escape early Saturday afternoon.

She came to the police department Sunday to report the incident and officers said she had visible injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

Smith was arrested Sunday night when an officer recognized him walking along Kentucky Avenue behind police department headquarters. 

Smith was booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.