A Roanoke man faces a strangulation charge following a September 3 domestic incident in Lewis County, according to a report based on a West Virginia State Police investigation.
WDTV identified the accused as Timothy Fitzwater, 26. Troopers responding near the intersection of U.S. Route 19 and Georgetown Road found the victim hiding in a wooded area and observed marks on her neck, the station reported.
The victim told investigators that an argument preceded Fitzwater taking their child from her arms and putting his hands around her neck. She said she left the residence because she feared for her life. WDTV also reported that she described earlier coercive contact despite an active domestic-violence protective order.
Investigators reported finding grass in a vehicle's exhaust and damage to its muffler. Police interpreted that condition as evidence the vehicle had been driven off road while the accused searched for the victim.
Fitzwater was being held at Central Regional Jail without bond when WDTV published its report. The allegations have not been proven in court, and a criminal charge is not a conviction.
Anyone facing immediate or life-threatening danger should call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers live support at 800-799-SAFE (7233), by texting START to 88788, or through online chat. The service cautions that internet activity can be monitored and provides digital-safety guidance.
Read the WDTV report.