Man Arrested After Chasing Woman Across Highway

Police were called to the area of the Western Plaza in Newport Sunday night after witnesses saw a woman running from West Broadway into the parking lot and a man taking her back out to the highway. Police investigated and found the victim next to a truck parked between Tiny Tots and Newport Pawn Shop on Old Knoxville Hwy. The 35 year old female told police that she and her boyfriend, 26 year old Juan Valdes, were arguing while driving on W25-70, at which point he began striking her. When she attempted to call 911, he grabbed her phone and threw it out the window. The victim says when the vehicle stopped, she got out and ran across the highway towards people in the Food City parking lot for help.

Before she could reach them, Valdes grabbed her and forced her back to the truck. Valdes told police a little different version of the events including that he had thrown his phone out the window. Officers though were able to locate the victim’s phone in the middle of the highway where it had been thrown out. Valdes was charged with Kidnapping, Domestic Assault and Interference with an Emergency Call.