Fulton man arrested on suspicion of assaulting woman at car wash, not letting her leave

The Fulton Police Department arrested Joshua Byrd Wednesday after officers responded to a reported domestic disturbance at the King-Cal Car Wash in the 2500 block of North Business 54.

According to the probable cause statement, a witness called into joint communications saying a male in a Dodge Caravan was hitting a female.

Officers said they responded to the scene and made contact with the victim, who was shaken up and had several injuries.

The victim told officers that she and Byrd had driven to the car wash to clean his minivan. Byrd became angry and backhanded her in the face with a closed fist, police said.

Police said the woman attempted to get out of the vehicle but Byrd grabbed her by the arm and did not allow her to leave. Byrd pulled her back into the vehicle, had ahold of her by her hair, continued to punch the woman and then began to strangle her, officers said.

Officers said they documented the victim’s injuries, which included a contusion above her left eye, scratches and a bruise on the back of her left arm.

Officers reviewed surveillance footage showing the incident, which was similar to what the victim described.

Police said Byrd and the woman had been in a romantic relationship for years and had been living together.

Officers questioned Byrd, who denied hitting the woman.

According to the probable cause statement, Byrd continuously asked where the woman was, making officers believe that if Byrd bonds out he will look for her.

Officers said the victim is scared of what Byrd might do if he found her.

Byrd is charged with domestic assault and kidnapping.