LIBERTY — A reported disturbance at an apartment complex resulted in the arrest of two Youngstown women on charges following what police described as a “mutual combat fight.”

Stephanie Mcpeters, 42, and Shnikia Carver, 43, pleaded not guilty to first-degree misdemeanor charges of domestic violence in Girard Municipal Court Monday.

Liberty Township police responded to the Monticello Boulevard residence just before 2 p.m. Sunday after receiving reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers met with Mcpeters, Carver and a third woman, who officers said was present, but not physically involved in the altercation.

According to a police report, the incident began as a verbal argument between Mcpeters and Carver. The situation escalated when Mcpeters allegedly began yelling and slamming items around the apartment. Carver told police she began searching for her car keys to leave, but could not find them and accused Mcpeters of withholding them.

The argument turned physical, with both women allegedly striking each other. According to the report, officers had to physically remove Carver’s hand from Mcpeters’ hair when they arrived on the scene.

Police noted that during the fight, Mcpeters allegedly struck Carver, threw a phone at her head, and bit her finger. Both women sustained minor injuries, including scratches, abrasions and bruising.

Carver was evaluated at the scene by the Liberty Fire Department, but refused further medical transport.

A records check on the third woman revealed multiple active warrants for her arrest, and after a subsequent search, an officer located two pills in her pocket suspected to be ecstasy.

Both Carver and Mcpeters are out on bond, according to court records, and are set to appear back in court in June.