Injured assault victim stabbed attacker with kitchen knife: Va. police

WASHINGTON — A woman was recovering after she stabbed an attacker with a kitchen knife in Manassas, Virginia, police said.

Prince William County Police responded to an incident early Sunday morning at the victim’s apartment on Gales Court to find the 42-year-old victim with injuries.

What had begun as a verbal altercation with another apartment resident had escalated, police said. Don Watson, 26, had allegedly pistol-whipped and grabbed the victim around her neck when she tried to leave, choking her.

The victim grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Watson below the waist in self-defense before he ran away, police said.

Police found Watson, who was flown to a hospital with serious injuries that were not life threatening. He was later arrested on malicious wounding and strangulation charges, among others. He is being held without bond.

Authorities did not elaborate on the relationship between the two but said both lived at the same address.

No further charges are pending at this time, police said.

WTOP’s Jack Pointer contributed to this report.

Megan Cloherty

WTOP Investigative Reporter Megan Cloherty primarily covers breaking news, crime and courts.

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