ELYRIA — A woman delivering DoorDash was allegedly stalked, cornered, and pistol-whipped by a man who followed her through Elyria before confronting her in a back alley, according to police reports.
Joshua K. Dotson, 35, of Elyria, was arrested in the early morning hours of June 14 after officers responded to an assault report near Sederis Lane. The victim told police she had just completed a delivery near 829 Lake Avenue when she noticed a dark SUV waiting nearby. As she exited the driveway, the vehicle began following her.
According to her statement, Dotson followed her through downtown Elyria. She attempted to evade the SUV by turning off her headlights and parking in a hidden alley, but Dotson located her once again. She said he exited his vehicle, accused her of being at his house, and struck her in the face with what she described as a silver revolver. Officers documented visible swelling and redness on her chin and jaw.
Dotson was located shortly afterward and detained by Elyria police. He initially denied possessing a firearm or assaulting the woman but admitted to following her after reportedly seeing her at his mother’s residence on Lake Avenue. He claimed the woman approached his vehicle aggressively and said he pushed her away while seated, denying any further physical contact.
No firearm was recovered during the vehicle search, but officers arrested Dotson based on the victim’s account and the injuries observed.
Dotson was booked at the Lorain County Jail around 2:43 a.m. and released approximately 30 minutes later after posting a $1,000 surety bond. He has been charged with first-degree misdemeanor assault and appeared for arraignment on June 16 in Elyria Municipal Court. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 30 before Judge Robert C. White.
The case remains under investigation.
His T-shit explains everything.
T shirt that is….