A Mobile police detective is working to track down a suspect accused of a domestic violence dispute that left a victim with a laceration on Garland Street.
Mobile Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Garland Street around 4:50 p.m. on a Wednesday evening after reports of a domestic dispute. When they arrived, they found a victim suffering from a minor, non-life-threatening laceration. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.
According to police reports, the suspect fled before officers arrived and has not been publicly identified. A detective is continuing the investigation, which remains active. Police said the suspect could face second-degree domestic violence and second-degree assault charges once located.
What the charges mean
Under Alabama law, domestic violence in the second degree occurs when a person commits second-degree assault — along with certain other offenses — against a current or former spouse, parent, child, grandparent, a person with whom they have a child in common, a present or former household member, or someone with whom they have had a dating relationship. The charge is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000.
Second-degree assault, the underlying offense, generally involves intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person, or causing physical injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. A conviction carries the same Class B felony range, and prosecutors in domestic cases can pursue both counts when the facts support them.
Alabama law also imposes mandatory minimum prison terms for repeat domestic violence offenders — a minimum of six months without probation, parole or good-time credit for a second or subsequent conviction — and doubles that minimum when the offense involves a violation of a protection order or is committed in the presence of a child under 14.
How Mobile police handle domestic cases
Mobile police treat domestic violence calls as a priority response category, and cases that involve physical injury are typically assigned to a detective rather than closed at the patrol level. Investigators collect scene evidence, hospital records and statements from victims and witnesses before presenting the case to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office for charging decisions.
When a suspect has not been apprehended at the scene, detectives can obtain warrants that remain active until the person is located. Victims in domestic cases are also frequently connected with protective order resources through the district attorney’s office and local advocacy organizations.
Anyone with information
Police said anyone who has information about this case should contact the Mobile Police Department at 251-208-7211. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can provide tips through Mobile’s CrimeStoppers line, and information that leads to an arrest may qualify for a reward.
The victim’s name has not been released, and police have not described the relationship between the victim and the suspect beyond confirming the domestic nature of the dispute. The investigation is ongoing.