A Richmond man faces multiple charges after police say he assaulted his girlfriend and then struck a bicyclist while fleeing the scene.

According to court documents, 45?year?old Darrell Oates Jr. allegedly pushed, beat, and strangled his girlfriend during an argument on December 7th. Officers noted visible injuries. As police responded, they say Oates drove off in a black Ford Taurus and was seen hitting a man on a bicycle near South L Street.

Oates denied the crash, but investigators called his explanation for the vehicle damage ‘implausible.’ He’s now charged with domestic battery with bodily injury, strangulation, and leaving the scene of an accident.

A bench trial is set for January 27th.