Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler was arrested Sunday afternoon for domestic violence.
Bismarck police say the incident happened at a residence on Southport Loop shortly before 2:30 am. Police say Baesler’s fiancé reported she assaulted him during an argument. Police say the man had visible injury and blood on his face. Baesler was later arrested and taken to the Burleigh County Jail. She posted a $150 bond, and was released. She will appear in Bismarck Municipal Court Tuesday.
In a statement, Baesler said she and her fiancé had been arguing, and she was concerned for her safety. She also said the problems between them had been escalating.
Here is the statement:
“Early Sunday morning, Feb. 15, 2015, I was involved in a domestic incident at the Bismarck home of my fiancé. An argument escalated to the point where I was concerned for my safety. Unfortunately, this incident was not the first situation where I felt I was at risk. In fact, the problem has been escalating in recent months.
The mistake that I made was I thought I could fix the problem, and that it was somehow my fault. But that is not true. What I should have done was to seek help from professionals who could help me to escape an unhealthy relationship. No one wants to admit they aren’t as strong or as capable as they believe they should be. I encourage people who find themselves in this situation to reach out to their pastor, counselor or domestic abuse professional and get the help that they need.”
Due to the legal issues involved, Baesler will not make any further comment on this incident until the matter has been resolved.
