Albemarle County: Police apprehend man wanted for strangulation, abduction

Malik I. Thornton was located in Fluvanna County and taken into custody with the assistance of the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office, according to an update sent from the Albemarle County Police Department at approximately 3:30 p.m.

 

The Albemarle County Police Department is searching for a Charlottesville man who is a suspect in an assault early Friday morning.

Malik Izaya Thornton, 22, should be considered “armed and dangerous,” according to authorities.

Thornton’s current whereabouts are still unknown, and the police are seeking the public’s assistance for information locating him.

Thornton is described as a Black male with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’10” and weighing approximately 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with orange graphics and blue pants.

According to police, Thornton is wanted for an assault on a woman on Wahoo Way at approximately 3 a.m.

Thornton fled the scene with an eight-month-old child, who after a thorough search, was later found unharmed, with assistance from Fluvanna County authorities.

Officers were dispatched to the address initially for the report of a woman who felt dizzy and nauseous. Further information led first responders to believe the injuries could be consistent with an assault.

The female victim was transported to UVA Health for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim and Thornton were known to each other, and this is believed to be an isolated incident.

ACPD has obtained the following warrants for Thornton:

• Strangulation (§18.2-51.6)
• Child abuse (§18.2-371.1)
• Assault on a family member (§18.2-57.2)
• Abduction by force (§18.2-47)
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (§18.2-53.1)

Additional charges are pending following further investigation.

Thornton faced multiple charges in Louisa County from a Nov. 23, 2023, incident which included assault on law enforcement, larceny, fleeing from law enforcement, speeding in excess of 85 mph and nicotine and marijuana charges, according to an online court database.

He also faced charges in Fluvanna and Orange counties for DWI, driving with a suspended license and other traffic violations.

Anyone with information on Thornton’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.