OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An Oak Hill man has been arrested after witnesses told police they saw him drag a woman by her hair and threaten to take her into the woods and beat her.
According to a criminal complaint, Sgt. J.M. Pauley of the Oak Hill Police Department responded around 12:14 a.m. on June 24 to a reported domestic disturbance on Crawford Street.
While en route, Fayette County 911 advised that a caller had reported seeing a man dragging a woman into a wooded area near Boley Street.
Upon arriving on Boley Street, Sgt. Pauley spoke with several individuals who identified the couple as Anthony Goard and Kearra Fitzgerald and directed officers to a nearby residence where they were located.
Police found Goard standing on the front porch while the victim was inside the home. The victim told officers the pair had been staying at a residence on Crawford Street when an argument began after Goard returned and found her in a bedroom with the homeowner. She told officers nothing inappropriate had occurred, but said Goard became angry.
According to the complaint, the victim appeared frightened and was initially reluctant to explain what happened.
Officers then spoke with the caller, John Hancock, who reported witnessing Goard strike the woman several times and drag her by her hair. Hancock told police he called 911 after hearing Goard threaten to drag Fitzgerald into the woods and “beat the **** out of her.”
After speaking with the witness, officers arrested Goard.
Police said the victim’s pants were covered in mud, which they noted was consistent with her being dragged. She was also advised of her rights as a victim of domestic violence.
Investigators determined Goard has a prior domestic battery conviction dated Oct. 19, 2021. He is charged with domestic battery, second offense.
The incident occurred within the city limits of Oak Hill in Fayette County.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
