A Stafford man added to his troubles when he assaulted a deputy during his arrest Friday evening.

On February 25th at 8:24 p.m., Deputy C.S. Harding and Deputy B.E. Vaughn responded to an address in Bells Run subdivision for a disturbance. The victim reported she had been assaulted by Alphonso Howard, 34.

Deputy Vaughn observed Howard had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcoholic beverage. Howard attempted to slam a door on the deputy and would not comply with instructions to place his hands behind his back.

During the arrest, Howard continued to resist the deputies and at one point used the back of his head to strike Deputy Vaughn on the nose. Howard was ultimately brought under control and arrested. Deputy Vaughn received minor injuries from the incident.

Howard has been charged with the initial assault, obstruction of justice, assault on law enforcement, resisting arrest and public intoxication. He was held on a $2,000 bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

If you are in an abusive relationship, there are resources available. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office maintains a strong relationship with Empowerhouse, an accredited Virginia domestic violence program. The Empowerhouse hotline is 540-373-9373.