The branch librarian for Rutherford County Library System's new technology center is no longer employed after being charged with several crimes, including aggravated domestic assault.
Alan Couch had been hired in 2017 to head Rutherford County Library System's shiny new Technology Engagement Center, housed on the campus of Hobgood Elementary School.
But now he's accused of assaulting his girlfriend, Misty Bach (who gave an extensive interview to the Columbia Daily Herald), on May 19 and attempting to break in cars.
Rutherford County Library System Director Rita Shacklett confirmed that Couch is no longer employed by the system.
Couch was also charged with trying to break into vehicles at a service station. He was found pulling on door handles because he "liked the way the vehicle doors looked," according to an incident report.
On the day of the alleged assault, Murfreesboro Police officers were called around 5 a.m. May 19 to intervene in a domestic dispute between Couch and Bach.
The victim told responding officers that she had been assaulted by Couch. She said she ran to the neighbor's house to call for help.
Bach told police Couch "laid on top of her and made her say different phrases (ex., 'I am an adult).'" If she didn't speak loudly enough, he "would put his hand over her nose and mouth then (he) would poke her eyes," the report said, adding she said he also attempted to strangle her to the point where she vomited.
Couch eventually let her up so she could take a shower, which she did, and then she fled the home, Bach told MPD.
According to the police report, Bach had bruising on her right and left arms, as well as bite marks on her face and right wrist.
Couch told police "that Ms. Bach aspirated on (vomit) herself because she realized she hadn't been a good parent to her son" and she left the house "for no reason," according to the report.
"On multiple occasions, Mr. Couch began saying things that were off topic. Mr. Couch would grit his teeth and raise his voice while talking," the report said.
Couch and Bach have had a rocky relationship. Their friendship dates back to at least 2015 when he hired her to oversee the teen section at the Spring Hill Library.
When Couch left Tennessee to work in Colorado in 2016, Bach moved too. Bach told the Daily Herald she moved out to Colorado after she was fired from the Spring Hill Library.
"(Couch) told me to come to Colorado, and during that was the first time he attacked me," Bach said in the article. "This was my (former) boss, my friend, somebody I loved and trusted. I came across country, and the guy almost killed me."
The article also details Bach's EEOC complaint against the city of Spring Hill for discrimination.
Couch is currently in custody at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics, true crime, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.