A potentially dangerous assault was halted early Saturday morning by deputies.

On July 6th at approximately 4:40 a.m. Sergeant J.D. Hurt, Deputy D.A. Robertson, and Deputy P.J. Leon responded to Target, located at 25 South Gateway Drive, for a disturbance. The caller advised she was currently in the parking lot hiding from a male suspect who was threatening to shoot her. Due to the immediate danger, deputies quickly arrived. When they did, they observed the male suspect exiting his vehicle and aggressively approaching the victim who was crouched under a truck. The parties were separated as deputies attempted to learn what occurred.

The victim advised she and the suspect were at the Waffle House parking lot before the suspect drove them to this location. The suspect would then assault the victim and made threats towards her. The victim was able to getaway, hide, and call for help.

The suspect, identified as Troy Lovett, 37, of Stafford, had several signs of intoxication, including the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, and was discovered to have a revoked license. He was charged with assault and battery, driving under the influence, driving while revoked, and refusal. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.