A Stafford victim escaped her assaulter by jumping out of a second-floor window. Luckily, that assaulter still sits behind bars.

On November 27th at approximately 6:11 p.m. Deputy S. Waheed responded to a disturbance at the Arbor Grove Apartments. Multiple callers advised they could hear a woman screaming for help in an apartment and saying “call the police”. Due to the unknown situation, Deputy Waheed was quick to arrive.

When he arrived, he was approached by the victim who had visible injuries. She advised she had just jumped out of a window to escape her romantic partner. The romantic partner was identified as Justin Hunter, 31, of Woodbridge, and he was still within her apartment. Deputy Waheed, now accompanied by Sergeant J.W. Hutcheson, proceed to the apartment to make contact with Hunter. Hunter, who was in an intoxicated state, was detained without incident.

After conversing with both parties, witnesses, and collecting the evidence present, it was determined a verbal argument led to an assault. To avoid further assault, the victim was able to jump out of the window. The victim was treated for her non-life-threatening injuries.

Hunter was charged with assault and battery, felonious assault, and abduction. He was 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/