A 30-year-old Yorktown man is facing several felony charges after he allegedly strangled a woman then later assaulted a deputy, leaving the deputy with a broken hand, authorities say.
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Barham Boulevard in York County around 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 for a report of fighting, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Deputy Shawn Kekoa-Dearhart said.
When officers arrived, they found Eric D. Lewis with his shirt off and arguing with a large group of people. The victim, a woman, stood behind Lewis with noticeable marks on her neck, Kekoa-Dearhart said.
Lewis also had scratch marks on his chest, but the victim denied any altercation had happened between them.
Later that evening at 9:54 p.m., deputies were called to the same location again in reference to “fighting and shots fired,” Kekoa-Dearhart said.
When they arrived, Lewis was found standing on the sidewalk with his hands up.
Lewis said that he did not live in the area, so deputies started to take him into custody for loitering.
Lewis allegedly resisted arrest and began to curse at the deputies. He spun and pulled away from the officer, then threw his body into the deputy, hitting and breaking the deputy’s hand, Kekoa-Dearhart said.
Deputies were able to gain control and take Lewis into custody. After the arrest, Lewis complained of knee pain. Deputies took Lewis to Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg where he was examined, released and taken to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
The injured deputy was taken to Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, where it was confirmed that his hand was broken.
Kekoa-Dearhart said the deputy would need to see an orthopedic specialist.
After Lewis was arrested, deputies returned to Barham Boulevard to speak with the victim again. She said she had lied earlier.
The woman told authorities that Lewis had forced himself into her apartment and strangled her. He then grabbed the victim by her hair, dragged her down a set of steps and strangled her again once they were outside, according to Kekoa-Dearhart.
Lewis is charged with loitering, resisting arrest, assault on law enforcement officer, two counts of strangulation, abduction, breaking and entering with intent to assault and simple assault.
Deputies also obtained and served an emergency protective order against Lewis in connection with the incident.
Lewis was transported to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
He is scheduled to appear for a hearing at 9 a.m. Nov. 7 in the York-Poquoson General District Court.
