Girlfriend attacks former Texas Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and fractures his ribs, police say

Former Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst was injured in multiple attacks by his girlfriend, prosecutors say.

Leslie Ann Caron, 40, is accused of fracturing the ribs of the longtime politician in fights at his Houston home, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. She was arrested and charged with injury to an elderly person.

Dewhurst told police that Caron, who he’s dated for about a year, kicked his ribs while he was sitting on a couch in his home last Wednesday, according to court documents. She was upset that he hadn’t called a business partner that day, Dewhurst told police.

Caron is accused of returning four days later and attacking him again, kicking his ribs and throwing a pot that struck his elbow, police say. Dewhurst said she scratched and bit his arm when he tried to defend himself, according to court documents.

On Wednesday, Dewhurst went to the doctor with complaints of chest pains. An X-ray showed two rib fractures.

Caron denied attacking Dewhurst and told investigators that he was injured while moving items at his warehouse, police said. She accused Dewhurst of assaulting her, showing police a “small bruise” on her right arm, according to court documents.

Caron also accused Dewhurst of trying to strangle her. She showed police a cell phone picture of her neck, “but the photo only showed redness around her left collarbone and chest area” that wasn’t consistent with being choked, police said.

On Wednesday, Dewhurst told KTRK that he was doing fine and didn’t provide further comment.

Court records show Caron was ordered to not contact Dewhurst nor carry any weapons or use alcohol and drugs, KPRC reported.

Dewhurst served as lieutenant governor from 2003 to 2015. He lost re-election to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. He ran for U.S. Senate in 2012, losing to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.