The US man who became internationally famous after cutting off his arm to free himself when he became trapped by a boulder is in jail after being arrested over allegations of domestic violence.

Aron Ralston, 38, was booked in Denver, Colorado on charges of assault and "wrongs to minors", which police say is a charge used when children are present during an incident but not necessarily hurt.

A woman, Vita Shannon, also was arrested at the same home on the same charges.

Ralston was hiking in Utah in 2003 when he became trapped and cut off his arm to free himself. He detailed his struggles in a book, which was adapted into the movie "127 Hours."

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