Woman Hides in Woods After Man Reportedly Beats Her on Ground

Signs of a struggle underneath the Henderson Bridge lead police to search for a couple who abandoned a Chrysler under the bridge on Aug 9.

Police feared the worst as a 911 caller reported a 36-year-old woman threatened to slit her wrists with a soda can after an altercation in the woods. Officers found footsteps leading back to the 133 Club, a nearby bar.

Pawtucket police found the woman in her apartment in the early morning hours, reads the report. According to the woman's account, she went to a bar with a man, later identified as Rafael Marques, 37, of Pawtucket. She told police that they drove down to the woods the night before. There, a scuffle ensued, she said.

Marques grabbed her, according to the woman's narrative. After she pushed him away, Marques allegedly threw her to the ground and hit her in the back of the head twice. She ran into the woods and hid behind some trees until he started to walk home, according to reports. The woman then walked back to the bar and got a ride home from a bartender. She denied reports alleging threats of suicide.

In an interview with Marques, he said the woman kicked him during the fight. He did not have any signs of an injury, according to reports. He also said he left his car at the scene because it would not start after it was driven through a puddle. The vehicle was battered due to its drive through a wooded area, reads the report.

Marques was charged with simple assault and battery.