Man charged with assaulting girlfriend in Rehoboth Beach

A Dover man faces charges after police said he assaulted his girlfriend March 15 in Rehoboth Beach, and then drove away under the influence.

Rehoboth Beach police responded at 1:13 a.m. to the 100 block of Second Street for a report of a domestic disturbance in progress, and located a man leaving the area in his truck. 

Police said they arrested Sonny Watkins, 39, in connection with driving under the influence, and later learned Watkins had been in an argument with his girlfriend. Police said Watkins injured the woman after hitting her several times, prevented her from leaving the premises, and took her cellphone while she was speaking with 911 dispatchers.

Watkins was taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree reckless endangering, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, third-degree assault, malicious interference with emergency communications, driving under the influence and failure to have license in possession. Police said Watkins also had a capias for failing to appear at Family Court. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $46,501 secured bond.