A Stafford man was charged Friday after escalating a verbal argument and brandishing a firearm.

On April 28th at approximately 11:00 p.m. deputies responded to a North Stafford subdivision for a call of a disturbance with a weapon. The victim advised her boyfriend had assaulted her and even brandished a firearm.

The investigation revealed the victim arrived at the residence she shares with the suspect after work. The suspect stated “don’t say a word or get out” which resulted in a verbal argument. The argument escalated when the suspect assaulted the victim, dragged her across the floor, and stated “either you leave or you’ll get thrown head first out the window”. The argument continued until the suspect retrieved a loaded rifle and came towards the victim with it.

The suspect, who stayed on scene, advised the incident never occurred. He further advised he did not have a firearm. This was discovered to be a lie for when consent was given to search the residence, deputies located the loaded rifle.

The suspect was charged with domestic assault and battery, as well as, brandishing a firearm. He was released by the magistrate on an unsecured bond.

If you are in an abusive relationship, help is available. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office partners with Empowerhouse to assist victims of domestic abuse. This morning, Detective K.W. McBride and a member of Empowerhouse discussed the partnership on Town Talk with Ted Schubel of WFVA. You can find the show using the link below.

https://www.newstalk1230.net/episode/town-talk-empowerhouse-15/