Police: Witnesses restrain man after assault in Rehoboth Beach

UPDATE: On Jan. 18, 2018, a nolle prosequi was entered on the charges of third-degree assault and disorderly conduct, according to court records. Kyle Halloran was discharged July 23, 2018, from probation before judgement on the charges of offensive touching and underage possession/consumption of alcohol after meeting the terms of his probation. 

A Wilmington man was charged Friday night for hitting his girlfriend after witnesses chased him and restrained him until police could arrive, police said.

Kyle Halloran, 20, was arrested and charged for assault after witnesses watched him punch his girlfriend in the face, said Rehoboth Beach Police spokesman Lt. Jaime Riddle in a press release. 

On May 26 just after 10 p.m., officers responded to North First Street near the Summer Place Hotel for a report of a physical domestic dispute in progress, Riddle said. Officers were flagged down a short distance from the scene by witnesses who had subdued and restrained Halloran, who had attempted to flee the scene on foot, Riddle said.

During the initial investigation, witnesses said Halloran had been arguing with his 20-year-old victim, a resident of Westwood, New Jersey. Halloran pushed her into a parked vehicle and punched her in the face causing minor injury, Riddle said.  

Witnesses observing the altercation called out to the victim to check on her welfare. Halloran fled on foot and they pursued him. The witnesses were able to catch and restrain Halloran until police arrived and took him into custody, Riddle said.

Halloran was arrested and charged with one count of third degree assault, one count of offensive touching and one count of underage consumption, all misdemeanor crimes.

Halloran was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution, but has since been released on $550 unsecured bail. 

The female victim was treated on scene for her injuries.