Witnesses are credited with helping to rescue a woman after she was beaten by her boyfriend and dragged by his car.
Phoenix police report that on December 4, the victim was attacked by 32-year-old Marcus John Small at their home near 51st and Southern avenues.
The victim suffered a "fractured nose, chipped tooth, severe bruising to her left eye and face." Small then reportedly put her in his car and left home.
Police say they drove to an area near 7th Street and Southern Avenue, where the victim tried to jump out of the moving car.
Small allegedly grabbed her by her sweater and raced away, dragging the woman behind the vehicle. Witnesses told police they were following the car as the woman was dragged about half a mile, before she fell out of the vehicle and rolled several times.
The woman ran toward the witnesses as Small gave chase and tried unsuccessfully to pull the victim out of the witness’s car. He then chased them in his vehicle and rammed their car, causing them to crash.
The witnesses and the victim were able to flee to safety.
Small was captured by police a short time later.
Police say the woman suffered broken ribs and a lacerated spleen during her fall.
Small has been charged with kidnapping and several counts of aggravated assault.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic or sexual violence, there are several local and national organizations offering resources. Anyone in need of immediate assistance should contact either the Maricopa County Shelter Line at 480-890-3039, the National 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at 602-279-2900. A number of organizations are available 24 hours a day for anyone at risk of experiencing domestic or sexual violence. See a directory of domestic violence programs here.
