LA PLATA, Md. — A 27-year-old Waldorf man was charged Sept. 11 with second-degree assault after allegedly striking a woman with a bouquet of flowers before punching her in the face during a domestic dispute. Antonio Terrell Phillips faces charges following an incident that reportedly left the victim with visible injuries to her lips and head.
Charging documents filed by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office state that Deputy B. Aber responded to Berry Road and Chestnut Drive in Waldorf on Sept. 11. Deputies reported making contact with Phillips and the victim involved.
According to charging documents, the victim told investigators Phillips struck her with a bouquet of flowers and then hit her in the face. Police wrote that the report was made within 48 hours of the incident, meeting Maryland’s requirements for charging domestic assault cases.
Deputies documented visible injuries, including bruising and swelling, court filings show. The woman declined medical treatment at the scene, according to police reports.
Court records state that Phillips and the woman are in a dating relationship, which under Maryland law classifies the case as domestic violence. State statutes require police to make arrests in such cases when probable cause exists and injuries are present.
Phillips faces charges of second-degree assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500 under Maryland law. The domestic violence classification may result in additional court-ordered protective measures and mandatory counseling requirements.
Court records show Phillips was issued a summons rather than being taken into custody at the scene. A preliminary inquiry hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27 in Charles County District Court.
Deputy B. Aber investigated the case for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County is prosecuting the case in La Plata District Court.
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How romantic