Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler was arrested on a preliminary assault charge by Bismarck police over the weekend.

She issued the following statement about the incident:

“Early Sunday morning, Feb. 15, 2015, I was involved in a domestic incident at the Bismarck home of my fiance, Todd Tschosik. 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.”

In the statement, Baesler said she would not be making further comments about the incident. The Associated Press reports that a 48-year-old man with a visible injury told officers that Baesler assaulted him.

Police say officers located Baesler and arrested her on a preliminary assault charge. She was booked in the Burleigh County Detention Center.

A detention officer says Baesler was released Sunday night on a $150 cash bond.

Andrea Johnson