Brattleboro man held without bail after alleged assault in moving car

The affidavit says the woman reported being dragged about 2 to 3 feet at roughly 10 to 15 miles per hour.

A Brattleboro man is being held without bail after police say he dragged a woman alongside a vehicle and choked her during a dispute over car keys and money.

Thomas J. Williams, 33, of Brattleboro, entered a not guilty plea Wednesday in Windsor Superior Court, Criminal Division, on charges of aggravated domestic assault following a previous conviction for that offense, along with vehicle operation without owner consent.

According to an affidavit from the Brattleboro Police Department, the incident is said to have happened Saturday night after the woman told Williams she wanted her vehicle back. Police say Williams then drove away north on South Main Street toward Canal Street while the woman held onto the car and was pulled a short distance.

The affidavit says the woman reported being dragged about 2 to 3 feet at roughly 10 to 15 miles per hour, leaving injuries to her knees, elbow and hand. Officer Zachary Lopez documented blood on the right knee and minor cuts to the elbow and ring finger, as well as bruising on a bicep and breast area.

Investigators allege Williams was trying to get the keys so he could buy crack cocaine. When the woman would not hand them over, police say he put her in a rear chokehold and tightened his grip while using his left arm to keep her from escaping.

The woman told police she had trouble breathing and was shaking after he let go. She said she threw the keys to get him to release her.

Police also say Williams threatened her after she was unable to get the bank to process money quickly enough for him to obtain $40 for crack cocaine.