NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — After a domestic assault case, Newport News police were able to track down and arrest the accused person of interest.
On August 25 around 9 p.m., Newport News police officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street for a domestic assault.
Responding officers found the victim, a 27-year-old Yorktown woman. She had serious injuries to her face, and she was taken by medics to a local hospital for treatment.
After investigating, officers obtained warrants for 34-year-old Jermaine Outlaw of Newport News. The warrants were for Abduction, Unauthorized Use, Malicious Wounding, Grand Larceny, and Assault on Family Member.
After getting the report, Newport News police made this case and finding Jermaine Outlaw a top priority.
Officers were able to find Outlaw a local motel on Thursday morning. During his arrest, he had cocaine and a firearm with him.
The victim, Brittany Cooke said she's focused on healing emotionally and physically.
Cooke said she and Outlaw went to a bar in Virginia Beach. She said they'd been dating for a few months. Cooke said when they got home that's when things took a vicious turn.
Cooke got out the car and walked towards her neighbor’s house. She said Outlaw followed her and attacked her on the stairs in the hallway of her neighbors building. Cooke said it all stemmed from Outlaw accusing her of looking at another man.
“I was very scared, I was afraid for my life,” Cooke said. “I was thinking in my head I hope he doesn’t kill me.”
Chief Drew said domestic violence is an issue in Newport News. He said 25% of homicides in the city this year are directly linked to domestic violence.
Chief Drew has a message for anyone going through Cooke's situation.
“For those who find themselves in domestic situations, I would ask they come forward,” Chief Drew said. “If they’re not comfortable, if they’re afraid and I understand that, tell someone who you trust and let them come forward.”
“The only way we’re going to have a decrease in domestic violence is if other people get involved. Don’t just turn the other direction.”
Cooke has two broken bones under her right socket, a lot of bruising and swelling. But she’s speaking out to help anyone who may be or have been in her situation.
Outlaw has been booked on the following charges:
- Abduction: By force, intimidation or deception
- Malicious Wounding
- Strangulation of another
- Malicious Wounding
- Assault: (Misdemeanor)
- Assault: On a family member
- Assault: On a family member
- Unauthorized Use: Animal/ Vehicle/ Etc. Larceny >200
- Grand Larceny: Steal Motor Vehicle Value > $200
Additional charges are pending in reference to the suspected cocaine and firearm found on him during his arrest.
“When I saw the photos of the victim following the assault, I was sad and angry," Police Chief Steve Drew said. "I have spoken on various occasions about domestic violence being an issue in Hampton Roads and locating someone capable of such violence became a top priority for the Newport News Police Department. I am proud of the officers who worked quickly to locate and remove Mr. Outlaw from the streets of Newport News.”
The National Domestic Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Click here for more information on how to get help in a domestic situation.