Assault suspect arrested by Waynesboro Police

A man suspected of assaulting a bystander who intervened during a domestic dispute in Verona was captured by police in Waynesboro on Saturday, according to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.

Warrants for malicious wounding were obtained for James Allen Howard on February 7. Earlier in the day, the sheriff's office said a man was struck in the head by a blunt object when he tried to intervene in a domestic situation involving another man — believed to be Howard — and a woman. By the time deputies arrived, the man and woman had left the scene and the assault victim was taken to the hospital for torso and head injuries.

Howard, who matched the description given to police, was located nearby on Quicks Mill Road armed with a bat. When confronted, he fled on foot.

Later in the day, deputies were called to Meade Trailer Park for an additional assault involving Howard, according to new information released by the sheriff's office. At the location, Howard allegedly assaulted a woman and attempted to pull her from a vehicle.

The investigation led to more warrants obtained for Howard for domestic assault and abduction.

Howard is believed to be homeless but frequented the Verona area, the sheriff's office said.

He is being held in Middle River Regional Jail without bond.