What started as a routine moment in a southeast Shelby County driveway turned violent Friday, until a quick-thinking passerby stepped in and gave a battered woman a crucial chance to run for her life.
Deputies say the woman was attacked by an ex-boyfriend who allegedly tried to drag her away from her home. She was left with a black right eye, a busted lip, and multiple bruises. Authorities later arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with the assault and say he remains behind bars.
According to WREG, the victim told deputies that the suspect, identified as 43‑year‑old Rodolfo Dominguez, walked up to her vehicle wearing black latex gloves, opened the driver's side door, and yanked her from the car. She said she tried to call 911 on her smartwatch, but Dominguez allegedly tore the device or phone from her wrist and threw it. He then threatened, "this time, I'm going to kill you," dragged and choked her on the ground, and hit her with a closed fist when she refused to get into his truck. A passerby called authorities and created the opening the victim needed to escape, according to the report.
How deputies tracked and arrested him
Per the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, investigators used the victim's missing phone to chase down the suspect. Deputies pinged the device to an address linked to Dominguez's workplace in Byhalia, Mississippi, then pulled security footage that showed a man arriving at the location. Using that digital trail and the video, deputies identified Dominguez as the suspect and took him into custody. He was booked on multiple charges, and investigators say the case remains open.
Charges and legal status
According to WREG, Dominguez faces charges of criminal attempt-kidnapping, aggravated assault, interference with emergency calls, and theft of property of $1,000 or less. Deputies say he is being held without bond while prosecutors review the case. No additional court filings were available at the time of the report.
Help and resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
For survivors of domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 confidential support and local referrals at The Hotline.
Authorities are asking anyone with footage or information about this incident to contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
