Newport Man Charged for Allegedly Beating, Leaving Woman on West Main Road

A 38-year-old Newport man is facing simple assault and disorderly conduct charges for allegedly beating a woman on West Main Road on Thursday and then leaving her on the side of the road.

Portsmouth Police said DeJuan J. Tutson, of 140 Park Holm, allegedly hit a female who was riding as a passenger in his silver BMW when they began to argue and he attempted to strike her.

The victim, who was being tended to by a good Samaritan who stopped and called police, told police that she hit Tutson after he swung at her to defend herself.

Tutson then allegedly stopped the car and pulled her from the vehicle. Once the victim was on the ground, he reportedly beat her repeatedly before getting back in the car and speeding off.

Police said the victim suffered several injuries including losing several fingernails and a bruise on the right side of her forehead.

Police said the victim and Tutson are not in a serious relationship but were on their way to have dinner when the argument ensued. The pair were reportedly testing the waters before jumping into a relationship.

After Portsmouth Police put out an alert for Tutson and a description of his vehicle, Tutson was tracked down and stopped by Newport Police at the Festival Fields apartment complex in that city.

Tutson reportedly acknowledged that he was driving with the victim and that they got into an argument. He claimed that the victim "freaked out," hit him, damaged his parking brake and caused dents to the outside of his car.

Tutson was taken into custody, processed and released on surety bail. A no contact order was issued.

Tutson is due to return to court for arraignment on April 3.