LAKE WALES, Fla. — A mother is in critical condition following a domestic violence incident over the couple's 9-year-old son.
- Woman critically injured during domestic violence dispute
- Estranged husband tried to take son from basketball practice
- Mother jumped on van to stop husband; was thrown from vehicle
- Travis Stephens charged with aggravated battery domestic violence
Lake Wales police said the incident occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at the Kirkland Gym when Travis Stephens, 38, tried to take his 9-year-old son, who was at basketball practice, from his mother, Beverly Smith, 34.
Police said Stephens began to argue with his estranged wife over the custody of their son after he removed the boy from the gym and physically put him in Stephens' GMS Safari van and locked the door.
The boy's coach, Burney Hayes, tried to intervene and calm the two down.
After Stephens got into the van and locked the doors, police say Smith jumped onto the hood of the van and climbed up on the roof to stop Stephens from leaving.
Stephens accelerated quickly and made a sharp turn, throwing Smith from the van and causing her to strike her head on the road. After Smith fell to the ground, Stephens continued to drive away, police said.
Smith sustained major head trauma and was air lifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
Police said Stephens was later located in Winter Haven and the 9-year-old boy was okay.
Stephens was arrested and charged with aggravated battery domestic violence.