Police seeking man for assault

STAFFORD — City police are searching for a Fredericksburg man wanted for domestic assault and battery, malicious wounding, abduction, and destruction of property.

Jay Merritt, 52, reportedly forced his way into his girlfriend’s Fredericksburg apartment in the 800 block of William Street on Tuesday at about 7 p.m., after an argument.

He broke a pane of glass in the door, causing numerous cuts on the woman’s hand, according to a police report, and did not allow her to leave the home. Then, he wrapped a lamp cord around her neck and dragged her outside, according to witnesses, who notified the police.

Merritt fled the area on a red bicycle. He has not yet been located.

Anyone with information on Merritt’s whereabouts is asked to call the Fredericksburg Police Department at (540) 373-3122.