A 35-year-old man was held in lieu of $75,000 bail yesterday after his arrest on assault charges stemming from a domestic violence complaint in Westminster.

Kenneth E. Kern of the 600 block of Washington Road was accused in charging documents of slapping and choking the mother of his 6-month-old son, and threatening to kill her at 1: 26 a.m. yesterday.

The woman, who was not identified to protect her privacy, told police that Kern became angry after learning that she planned to move out of the residence tomorrow.

Police said the defendant told them he "slapped and restrained [the woman] in self-defense."

Kern was charged with first- and second-degree assault and was being held at the Carroll County Detention Center in Westminster.

Court records also show that the woman received a court order yesterday, temporarily barring Kern from contacting her.

The couple's 6-month-old son was not injured, police said.

Pub Date: 9/11/98