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Richmond firefighter charged with abducting and assaulting woman at Midlothian hotel

Posted at 9:53 PM, Mar 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-23 23:10:33-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- A firefighter for the City of Richmond was charged by Chesterfield Police with abduction, breaking and entering, and assault after allegedly pushing a woman into her room at the InTown Suites in Midlothian on Tuesday night and refusing to let her leave.

Police said Andre Harris, 38, who was also staying at the hotel, tried to block the woman from leaving, but she was able to escape.

A spokesperson from the Richmond Fire Department said Harris was placed on administrative leave without pay per city policy.

Andre L. Harris (PHOTO: Chesterfield Police)

Andre L. Harris (PHOTO: Chesterfield Police)

CBS 6 reporter Melissa Hipolit talked to another woman living at the InTown Suites who said she was attacked on March 18, outside the hotel.

Chesterfield Police confirmed they are investigating another assault that happened on that date, but have not charged anyone yet.

The woman involved in the March 18 indecent wants to remain anonymous for her safety because she said she is scared for her life now.

“It was just like boom. Somebody grabs me from behind and is choking me out,” the woman said.

InTown Suites

The woman said she was returning home early Friday morning after a night out with friends, when she was choked to the point of almost losing consciousness, thrown to the ground, punched in the face, and had her head slammed into the ground.

“I thought he was going to kill me,” the woman said.

Her attacker ended up running away, and a neighbor called 911.

“Do you feel any relief now that somebody has been arrested in connection with another attack here?” Hipolit asked the woman.

“I feel a lot better. I will feel even better once I know that was definitely my attacker and that he has been arrested, but until I know for sure I am still going to be locked in my room,” the woman said.

Collier Daily, a spokesperson for the InTown Suites, sent CBS 6 the following statement:

“We are aware of an incident that occurred last night at our Midlothian, VA location. The safety and security of our guests and employees is of utmost concern, and we are working with authorities to assist in their investigation. As this matter is ongoing, we defer any further questions to the Chesterfield police.”

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