A Dover man was arrested early Monday after police said a domestic disturbance investigation led to multiple charges.
Rehoboth Beach Police said officers responded at about 1:13 a.m. to the 100 block of Second Street for a report of a domestic disturbance in progress. When officers arrived, they located 39-year-old Sonny Watkins of Dover leaving the area in a truck. Police said Watkins was stopped and initially placed under arrest for DUI.
According to the investigation, Watkins had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend that escalated into an assault, with police alleging that he struck her multiple times and caused injuries. Investigators also alleged that Watkins prevented the woman from leaving the premises and took away her cell phone while she was speaking with 911 dispatchers to request help.
Watkins was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with reckless endangering in the first degree, unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, assault in the third degree, malicious interference with emergency communications, driving under the influence, and failure to have a license in his possession.
Police also said Watkins had an outstanding capias for failing to appear in Family Court. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $46,501 secured bond.
