A Flowery Branch man is being held without bond in the Hall County Jail following an investigation into an assault that occurred involving a man and woman who had been on a date.
Daniel Mata, 23, was arrested Thursday at his residence on Union Circle on charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping (two counts) and false imprisonment (three counts), according to the sheriff’s office. According to the investigation, Mata attacked the 24-year-old victim inside of his vehicle in the early morning hours of Feb. 22.
HCSO NARRATIVE:
Earlier, Mata and the victim, who had been on a date, had a verbal argument at the suspect’s home, which escalated into physical violence.
Mata took the victim’s phone during the argument. The investigation determined the victim tried to leave Mata’s house on foot to get to her own residence, but Mata followed her. He pushed the victim to the ground and then physically threw her into his vehicle before driving to a location on Hilton Drive. The victim attempted to get out of the vehicle and walk, but Mata grabbed her to prevent her exit.
At one point, he grabbed her by the throat and also punched her in the face. She attempted to exit the vehicle two additional times, but each time Mata prevented her from doing so. Eventually, he took her to her residence.”