Dumfries Man Accused Of Dragging Woman Across Road: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A Dumfries man faces several charges after police claimed he struck a woman repeatedly, choked her, and dragged her across a road, according to a report from the Prince William County Police Department. The man, Davante Shamar Howard, was arrested on Friday, June 4 and is being held without bond, police said.

Police were originally called to a home in the 16700 block of Mill Station Way in Dumfries on Thursday, June 3 to investigate a domestic dispute. There, a 24-year-old victim told police that she and an acquaintance had an argument that became violent.

The victim told police that when she tried to leave the home during the argument, the accused followed her into the street. There, the accused grabbed her and struck her "several times," according to the police department.

According to the police report, the victim tried to escape several times, but the accused continued to push her down and strike her. Authorities claimed that he then dragged the victim across the road before he fled the area on foot.

While investigating Thursday's incident, police determined that another assault occurred on Wednesday, June 2. Officers alleged that on Wednesday, the accused grabbed the victim by her throat and prevented her from leaving a room.

Authorities found Howard in Dumfries on Friday, June 4 and he was taken into custody without further incident. Officers claimed that they found suspected narcotics in his possession during the arrest.

Howard is charged with two counts of abduction, one count of strangulation, one count of malicious wounding, two counts of domestic assault, and one count of possession of a controlled substance. His court date is pending, and he is being held without bond.

Resources are available for survivors of domestic violence in Prince William County. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233. They can also be reached through their online chat function, or by texting "START" to 1-800-799-7233.

ACTS also operates a shelter for survivors of domestic violence, and provides counseling, legal services, safety planning, and support groups. ACTS can be reached at