A veteran Coeur d’Alene Press reporter faces felony domestic battery charges.

Keith Erickson, 56, was arrested Monday at his home on the 7000 block of North Aaron Street for allegedly fighting with a woman at his home.

Erickson was charged Tuesday in Coeur d’Alene Magistrate Court with one felony count of domestic battery and his bail was set at $40,000.

Erickson, a longtime Press reporter who covered the county as well as city and regional government, told the court that he had alcohol-related issues in the past, but has never been charged with a violent crime.

Prosecutors wanted bail to be $75,000, but because of Erickson’s longstanding history in the community and because he owns a house and has an extended family in Coeur d’Alene, Magistrate Anna Eckhart reduced bond and ordered a no-contact order between Erickson and the victim.

Erickson is accused of drinking with the alleged female victim when the altercation occurred. Erickson told police he was defending himself from being struck in the face and groin when he fought with the victim, who police said was thrown to the ground, grabbed by the neck, kicked, and repeatedly hit in the arms, legs and torso.

Erickson posted bond Tuesday. His next court appearance is within 21 days.