A West Virginia woman was forced to crawl through the woods at night to reach a neighbor's house after her boyfriend allegedly attacked her over a missing headlamp, authorities said.
Background
The incident occurred on June 14 in Preston County when a woman arrived at a West Virginia State Police station to report she had been assaulted by Frank Victor Calvert Jr., according to police. The woman told investigators she had previously obtained a domestic violence protective order against Calvert.
According to the criminal complaint, the confrontation began around 4 a.m. at a residence on Ash Pole Road when Calvert could not find his headlamp. The woman said she explained that he had been wearing it and that she never touched it, but her explanation only enraged him further.
The woman alleged that Calvert struck her in the face, grabbed her by the back of her hair, and ripped hair from her head. She told investigators he then placed her in a chokehold, causing her to suffocate. The victim said she had to fight and beg for an extended period before he released his grip.
The Investigation
West Virginia State Police officers documented injuries including red marks on the woman's cheek and around her neck, as well as bruising near her collarbone. According to investigators, Calvert also allegedly squeezed one of her arms that had been recently injured in a fall from a moving vehicle while she was with him.
When Calvert allowed her to search for the headlamp, the woman took the opportunity to escape by crawling outside and making her way through dense woods until she reached a neighbor's residence. Jail records confirm Calvert was arrested on Friday.
The Charges
Frank Victor Calvert Jr., 48, is currently held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail and Correctional Facility on $75,000 bond, according to jail records reviewed by Law&Crime. He has been charged with felony strangulation, a serious domestic violence offense in West Virginia that carries significant penalties upon conviction.
Key Takeaways
- The victim had previously obtained a domestic violence protective order against Calvert
- She escaped by crawling through woods at night after he released her from a chokehold
- Police documented visible injuries including red marks on her face and neck, plus bruising near her collarbone
- Calvert allegedly attacked her over a missing headlamp, claiming she had touched it despite her denial
- He is being held on $75,000 bond while facing a single charge of felony strangulation
What's Next
Calvert remains in custody at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail and Correctional Facility as the case proceeds through Preston County courts. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been scheduled publicly. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence including the victim's account, police documentation of injuries, and any violation of the existing protective order that may apply.