BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Beckley man is facing multiple charges after police say he strangled his girlfriend during a domestic disturbance and prevented her from calling 911.
Officers were dispatched to an apartment on Woodlawn Avenue on February 21, 2026, after emergency communications received a distress call reporting a domestic incident in progress. Dispatchers reported hearing muffled sounds before the call was abruptly disconnected.
When officers arrived, they made contact with the victim, who said her boyfriend, identified as Lance Rice, had been yelling and cursing at her. According to the victim, she went into the bathroom to call 911 for help.
She told police that while she was on the phone, Rice allegedly entered the bathroom, placed his hands around her neck, and began choking her. The victim said the pressure lasted for approximately 30 seconds, making it difficult for her to breathe.
After releasing her, Rice allegedly took her phone and disconnected the 911 call before leaving the bathroom — a detail police say matches what emergency dispatchers reported hearing before the line went dead.
Officers later spoke with Rice, who acknowledged the victim had gone into the bathroom to call 911. When asked how he obtained her phone, he reportedly told officers he did not know.
Police observed red marks around the victim’s neck that were consistent with strangulation.
Rice was taken into custody at the scene. Authorities say a background check showed no prior domestic battery convictions.
Based on the victim’s account, physical evidence, and information from dispatch, Rice has been charged with:
-
Domestic Battery (First Offense)
-
Strangulation
-
Interfering with Emergency Communications
The incident occurred within the city limits of Beckley in Raleigh County.
