Charlottesville, VA – The Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) has confirmed that 22-year-old Malik I. Thornton, wanted in connection with a violent domestic incident in Charlottesville, has been located and taken into custody. The arrest took place in Fluvanna County with the assistance of the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities had been urgently searching for Thornton following an early morning assault on Friday, August 15, 2025, that left a female victim injured and an 8-month-old child briefly missing.
Incident Details
At approximately 3:00 a.m., ACPD officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Wahoo Way after receiving a report that a woman was experiencing dizziness and nausea. First responders quickly determined that her symptoms and injuries were potentially consistent with an assault.
When officers arrived on scene, Thornton fled on foot, taking with him an 8-month-old child. Police say the victim and Thornton were known to each other, and the incident appears to have been isolated.
The woman was transported to UVA Health for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Child Found Safe
After an intensive search, law enforcement successfully located the 8-month-old child unharmed. ACPD credited the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office with playing a key role in the recovery effort.
Serious Charges Filed
Following the incident, ACPD obtained multiple felony warrants for Thornton, including:
- 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)
Police indicated that additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Earlier Public Safety Warning
Before Thornton’s apprehension, ACPD had issued a warning to the public, describing him as armed and dangerous and urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 911 immediately. Thornton had been described as a Black male, 22 years old, 5’10” tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black short-sleeve shirt with an orange graphic and blue pants.
Investigation Continues
While Thornton is now in custody, ACPD has stated that the investigation into the events of August 15 remains active. Detectives are working to determine the full circumstances of the assault, the alleged abduction, and the involvement of a firearm.
Authorities have not released further details about where in Fluvanna County Thornton was found or the circumstances of his arrest.
If you want, I can also make a timeline-style breakdown of the incident from the first 911 call to his arrest, so the events are clearer for readers. That would make it especially useful for a crime update article.
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