Man arrested after striking girlfriend multiple times says he was trying to prevent her from driving drunk

NITRO, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man has been arrested after striking his girlfriend multiple times. He told police he was trying to prevent her from driving drunk.

According to a criminal complaint, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, a domestic disturbance was reported at approximately 2:51 AM in the parking lot of Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, located at 1 Greyhound Drive in Nitro.

A caller informed police that a man wearing an orange shirt had physically assaulted a woman and was currently inside a dark-colored SUV parked at the end of the lot.

Upon arrival, law enforcement observed a gray Chevrolet Trax with headlights on and a white male occupant wearing an orange t-shirt.

As the officer approached, the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mason Daniels of Dunbar exited the vehicle with his hands up, stating, “Go ahead and do what you need to do and detain me.”

Daniels claimed that his girlfriend was impaired and that he had tried to prevent her from driving, leading to a verbal altercation.

Two witnesses approached the officer, stating they saw Daniels repeatedly strike a black female in the face.

Shortly after, a black female in a white t-shirt was seen walking toward the casino. She was identified by her West Virginia driver’s license as the victim of the incident.

The officer reviewed video footage from the casino, which showed Daniels approaching the victim and striking her in the face unprovoked.

He then returned to the vehicle, exited again, and continued to assault the victim until she fell to the ground.

Daniels was arrested and taken to the Nitro Police Department for processing.

It was discovered that he had two prior Domestic Battery convictions from August 28, 2012, and August 6, 2014, both in McDowell County.

Mason Daniels was charged with Domestic Battery-Third Offense and processed through Kanawha County Magistrate Court.

He is currently out on bond.