Man accused of throwing baby, beating woman

Published 9:57 am Wednesday, July 18, 2012

FRANKLIN—A Franklin man remains jailed on felony charges for allegedly throwing his infant son on a bed and beating up the baby’s mother, Franklin police said.

No bond was set for Terrell R. Bridgewater, 24, who was taken to Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk.

Bridgewater and the alleged victim were treated at Southampton Memorial Hospital, said Lt. Tim Whitt. He suffered cuts to his hand from punching out a window on a vehicle, and she was treated for injuries to her face and head from where he allegedly punched her.

“The woman was beaten rather badly,” Whitt said.

The 11-month-old did not require treatment.

Police at 2:30 a.m. Saturday were called to Bridgewater’s home at 517 S. High St.

“When he (the officer) came on the scene, he saw subjects in the street arguing,” said Lt. Tim Whitt. “He exited his vehicle and a woman ran to him screaming, begging him to help.”

Bridgewater allegedly began yelling and punched out the back window of a parked vehicle.

When the officer attempted to speak to Bridgewater, he ran, Whitt said. The officer caught up with Bridgewater, who allegedly hit the officer in the shoulder before he was then taken into custody. The officer did not need medical treatment.

Prior to police arriving, Bridgewater allegedly snatched the baby from his mother’s arms and threw it on the bed. Then he refused to let the baby’s mother leave, Whitt said.

Bridgewater faces felony charges of abduction, assaulting a police officer, child endangerment and unlawful wounding. He also was charged with two misdemeanor counts of domestic assault and battery, and destruction of property, and resisting arrest.