Stafford man allegedly tried to run over woman with U-Haul

Anthony L. Pittman Jr. of Stafford is charged with attempted aggravated assault, reckless driving with intent to injure, criminal damage to property and violation of a restraining order.

According to police Lt. Aimee Lynch, the woman the order is designed to protect was walking on Heritage Trail in the 400 block of Riverside Drive around 5:15 p.m. The suspect reportedly drove a U-Haul along the trail toward the woman, but stopped after hitting a milestone on the trail.

“It was very fortunate that the pole was there,” Lynch said.

The man drove off in the truck before police and a detective arrived. Pittman was quickly identified as a suspect and information about him was posted on social media and elsewhere.

Pittman was spotted by a Stafford police officer at a gas station in the county on Friday. Police said he was filling up the U-Haul when he was arrested.

Pittman’s criminal record includes court records showing he was convicted of domestic violence and violating a restraining order in Stafford in 2019.