Steamboat Pilot & Today

A Steamboat Springs optometrist was arrested Thursday on harassment charges after he allegedly grabbed a female employee by the arm and pushed her out a door.

Lewis Moore Cutter, 51, of Steamboat Springs, was taken into custody by the Steamboat Springs Police Department after Amanda Maddux, 32, of Craig, reported that Cutter assaulted her while she was at work Wednesday, police Capt. Joel Rae said.

"This was a gross misunderstanding and an overreaction in trying to solve a customer-service issue," Cutter said Friday.

Maddux is an employee of the optometrist's office in the 1800 block of Central Park Drive. She first reported the incident at about 6:15 p.m. Wednesday and then returned to the police department Thursday to give a more detailed account of what she alleges happened.

Maddux told officers that she was working behind a counter when Cutter approached her and asked her whether there were any more patients waiting to be seen. He then reportedly asked her about another patient's prescription and became upset that she had not dealt with the customer.

Cutter allegedly grabbed Maddux's right arm and shoved her through a rotating door in the office while yelling at her.

Maddux tripped and fell when she was shoved through the door, Rae said. Maddux got up after the alleged assault and left the office to go to Craig, where she lives.

After meeting with Maddux, officers went to Cutter's office at about 6 p.m. and arrested him on suspicion of harassment. Officers also interviewed another employee who reportedly witnessed the incident. She reiterated Maddux's story, Rae said.

Besides a sore arm, Maddux was not hurt during the alleged altercation, Rae said.

Cutter posted a $750 bond and was released from jail. He will appear in court at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 23.

-- To reach Alexis DeLaCruz, call 871-4234

or e-mail adelacruz@steamboatpilot.com