BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Bluefield man is facing domestic battery and strangulation charges after police say he attacked the mother of his child and caused her to lose consciousness during a domestic incident.
According to the Bluefield Police Department, Patrolman K.M. Tate Jr. was dispatched to the Reese Street area on August 14 after Mercer County 911 received a report that a woman had been attacked by the father of her child.
Police identified the suspect as Jordan Masterson. Officers were initially told Masterson was still at the scene, but dispatchers later advised that he had fled on foot wearing a white shirt and basketball shorts.
Investigators said the victim had gone to Masterson’s residence to pick up their child and was sitting inside her vehicle when Masterson allegedly became angry after seeing an incoming call on her cellphone.
The victim told police that she attempted to de-escalate the situation and close the vehicle door, but Masterson allegedly grabbed her around the neck with both hands and began strangling her.
According to the police report, the victim said Masterson applied so much pressure that she lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, she said her arms were shaking and Masterson still had his hands around her neck.
Police said the couple’s child was sitting in the back seat throughout the incident and attempted to get Masterson off the victim.
The victim eventually managed to close and lock the vehicle door. She told officers Masterson had taken her phone but later placed it on top of the vehicle, allowing her to retrieve it through the window.
Police said Masterson then allegedly began banging on the vehicle window and asking the victim not to contact authorities. He reportedly fled after hearing her provide his name to 911.
Bluefield EMS responded and evaluated the victim. Officers reported observing visible marks on her neck and photographed the injuries at the scene.
Later that night, police said Masterson contacted an officer by phone and was encouraged to come to the police station. He arrived at approximately 11:44 p.m.
Masterson was arrested and charged with domestic battery and strangulation. Police said the strangulation charge stems from allegations that he forcibly applied pressure to the victim’s neck, leaving visible marks and causing her to lose consciousness.
He was booked into the Bluefield City Jail to await arraignment.
The charges are allegations, and Masterson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
