NEWPORT, Maine — An Exeter man who on Friday night used his vehicle to ram his ex-girlfriend’s car forcing her off the road, and then choked her until another man driving by stopped to help, according to Newport police, turned himself in Saturday after the public was asked to help.
Derek Avery, 32, was charged with felony domestic violence criminal intent and misdemeanor domestic violence terrorizing in the incident that was reported at about 7:30 p.m., said Newport Police Chief Leonard Macdaid.
“We want to get this guy locked up as soon as possible to protect the public,” the police chief said.
The 33-year-old woman told police that she and Avery had dated but broke up recently and that an argument started Friday night when she returned to his house to collect some personal items, Macdaid said.
“He threatened her and when she left he chased after her,” the police chief said. “He rammed into the back of her car three times between Exeter and Newport. He did extensive damage to her car.”
When he finally forced her off the road while on Moosehead Trail, Avery broke the driver’s side window and began to choke the woman, which was witnessed by a man driving by who stopped to offer assistance, the police chief said.
“[Avery] took off when the man stopped,” Macdaid said. “We want to get this guy. We’ve been out all night looking for him. We know he’s hiding.”
Police asked the public to be on the lookout for Avery’s 1999 silver Honda Civic at around 1:30 p.m. and Sgt. David Wintle announced that Avery had turned himself in to police at about 4:45 p.m.
The woman is at a safe location, Macdaid said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.