South Florida Man Arrested After Allegedly Abusing Ex-Girlfriend

Fort Lauderdale, FL - A man has been arrested by authorities in South Florida after allegedly abusing his ex-girlfriend and vandalizing her car.

Fort Lauderdale police say a woman reported being harassed and abused by her ex-boyfriend, identified as 32-year-old Patrick E. James.

According to police, the incident occurred on March 12th in Broward County when James attempted to grab the victim's neck through an open car window as the victim's sister witnessed the assault from inside the vehicle.

The woman was able to flee the scene unharmed, however, James' alleged rampage continued outside the victim's apartment, as he reportedly smashed the car's windshield, slashed all the tires, and damaged windows.

The vandalism caused an estimated $1,355 in damages.

The Florida Department of Corrections confirms James is a convicted felon, released in 2019 after serving time for burglary, grand theft, and robbery charges from 2010-2013.

James also faced charges of petty theft and uttering a forged document in 2021.

James was apprehended by deputies on Thursday on charges of criminal mischief and propelling a missile into a dwelling, vehicle, or aircraft.

His bond was set at $9,000 during a bond court hearing.