WAR, WV (LOOTPRESS)— A McDowell County man is behind bars after allegedly attacking a woman during a violent domestic incident Saturday afternoon in War.
According to the West Virginia State Police, Senior Trooper R.L. Morgan was dispatched around 4:41 p.m. on October 4, 2025, to a report of a domestic disturbance and possible overdose at a residence on Rocket Boys Drive.
Callers told McDowell County 911 that a woman was lying in the road with a head injury and that a man had been seen fighting with her and dragging her back into the home. The suspect was identified as Stuart Baker, described as wearing a blue shirt and green shorts, and was reportedly seen walking through War shortly after the incident.
When Trooper Morgan arrived, members of the War Fire Department were already treating the woman. Morgan then located Baker sitting in the passenger seat of a blue Ford F-150 nearby. The trooper noted blood on Baker’s right hand and shorts, and detained him for questioning.
At the scene, officers spoke with the victim’s mother, Charlene Hicks, who said she heard her daughter screaming for help. Hicks said when she entered the apartment, she saw Baker pinning her daughter, identified as Mandy Phillips, to a bed and beating her.
Phillips told police Baker had thrown a 32-ounce drink at her and repeatedly punched her in the face, ignoring her pleas to leave. Trooper Morgan observed that Phillips was bleeding from her left ear and had blood on her clothing. She declined medical transport but told officers Baker also threatened to have her killed.
Baker was arrested at the scene and charged with domestic assault and domestic battery. He was transported to the West Virginia State Police Detachment for processing before being taken to the McDowell County Holding Unit to await arraignment.
Authorities said the victim was advised on how to obtain a domestic violence protection order.
