STAFFORD, Va. — A woman jumped out of a second-floor window to escape her alleged assaulter in Stafford County Monday evening. Officials say the man is now behind bars for the crime.
Just after 6:10 p.m., a deputy responded to Arbor Grove Apartments, on Timberlake Street, and off of Mine Street, in Stafford after a report of a disturbance. Multiple callers said they could hear a woman screaming for help in an apartment and saying "call the police."
When the deputy quickly arrived to the unknown situation, he was approached by the woman who had visible injuries. She said she had just jumped out of the window of her apartment to escape her romantic partner, who has been identified as 31-year-old Justin Hunter, of Woodbridge, Virginia. She also said that he was still inside the apartment.
Deputies then went to the apartment to talk with Hunter, who was found intoxicated. He was then detained.
After authorities talked to both of them, witnesses, and collected evidence, it was determined that an argument between the two led to the assault. To avoid further hurt, the woman was able to jump out the window. The woman was treated for injuries that were are not considered to be life-threatening.
The sheriff's office said Hunter has been charged with assault and battery, felonious assault, and abduction. He is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.
Abusive relationships are a difficult topic for many to deal with. That being said, you are not alone. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office not only has resources to assist victims, but partners with Empowerhouse. Empowerhouse is an accredited domestic violence center aimed to help children and adults of domestic violence. Those who know someone in need of help, or need help themselves, can find resources at https://www.empowerhouseva.org/