A terrifying domestic violence call sent deputies racing across Lucasville after a woman reported her boyfriend tried to strangle her while she was driving—then scattered her belongings across a parking lot and took off.
Just before 3:45 p.m., deputies were called after the woman told 911 her boyfriend had attacked her inside the vehicle, attempting to choke her as she drove. She said the man then threw her belongings across a nearby parking lot and fled on foot.
The suspect was described as wearing dark jeans, a gray hoodie, and a black hat, last seen heading north on U.S. 104 toward Bear Creek.
Search Spreads as Safety Concerns Grow
Dispatch immediately called for an ambulance and alerted deputies that the woman said the man had mental health issues and access to a firearm at their home—raising concerns for public safety.
Deputies began searching the area and contacted the Ohio State Highway Patrol which advised a trooper would respond since the alleged assault occurred on a highway.
The woman ultimately refused medical treatment, but deputies assisted her in locating her keys. She then drove herself to the station to wait for a family member traveling from Huntington to assist her. Troopers advised they would continue searching for the suspect.
Arrest Made Hours Later
Roughly two hours later, a deputy located the man at the Briar Patch. He was taken into custody and booked into the Scioto County Jail on a domestic violence charge.
The suspect, Braxton Smith, later appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court. A judge issued a domestic violence protection order against him, released him on his own recognizance, and set a pretrial hearing for February 3.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation. Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.