Democratic New Hampshire state senator arrested for allegedly hitting woman, biting her on arm

In this April 17, 2014 photo, State Sen. Jeff Woodburn, a Democrat from Dalton, speaks with other Democratic senators during a recess in the Senate chamber in Concord, N.H. Woodburn, the minority leader in the New Hampshire Senate has been arrested for allegedly hitting a woman, biting her on the arm and kicking in the door of her house. (AP)

A democratic lawmaker from New Hampshire was arrested Thursday for domestic violence charges after he allegedly bit a woman on multiple occasions and forced his way into her locked home.

State Senator Jeff Woodburn, a Democrat from Whitefield, was charged with simple assault, domestic violence and criminal mischief after the state attorney general’s office said he allegedly slapped a woman, punched her in the stomach, bit her hand, and on another occasion, bit her forearm.

The incidents are said to have taken place this year and last year.

Woodburn, the state Senate minority leader, defended himself Thursday in a statement.

“This afternoon, I learned that a warrant had been issued for my arrest. I voluntarily responded to the police station, cooperated with law enforcement during the booking process, and was released,” he said. “I intend to fully address and defend against these charges in court.”

The New Hampshire Democratic Party urged him to resign, as did the state’s Democratic congressional delegation and members of the state Senate Democratic Caucus.

“The New Hampshire Democratic Party stands firm in our belief that any form of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or domestic violence is completely unacceptable behavior for anyone, let alone our public officials who should all be held to a higher standard,” said State Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley.

Republican Gov. Chris Sununu tweeted that the allegations were “morally reprehensible,” and also said Woodburn should step down.

Woodburn is set to be arraigned on August 20.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.