TOLEDO, Ohio – A Lucas County grand jury has indicted a Toledo man accused of holding a pregnant woman captive, physically assaulting her, and threatening her life in a harrowing incident earlier this year. Omar Dancer, 33, faces serious charges, including one count of Kidnapping, one count of Abduction, and one count of Domestic Violence.
The charges stem from an incident on March 21, when Dancer allegedly assaulted the woman over an extended period of time. According to police reports, the victim told authorities that Dancer punched and kicked her in the head and stomach repeatedly. During the assault, the woman claims that Dancer threatened her life, stating, “we’re both going to die today,” before brandishing a knife. She further alleged that Dancer kept her trapped in the house, not allowing her to leave during the ordeal, which lasted for over an hour.
The victim eventually managed to escape the home and ran into the street, “shirtless and bloodied,” where she flagged down a passing motorist for help. Police arrived shortly after and arrested Dancer just before 5 p.m.
Dancer was indicted by the grand jury on April 1 and pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on April 30. A judge set his bond at $175,000, and he remains in custody as the case progresses.
This is not Dancer’s first encounter with the law. According to Toledo police, nearly four years ago, he was convicted of domestic violence in Macomb County, Michigan. Authorities have noted his history of violent behavior in the context of the current charges, which are being treated with the utmost seriousness by prosecutors.
The indictment has sparked renewed attention on the issue of domestic violence, as many wonder about the potential for repeat offenses when such behavior goes unchecked. Prosecutors have moved to drop two misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and assault, as the same conduct is already being pursued as felony charges in this case.
The Toledo community continues to watch as the legal process unfolds, with many hoping for justice for the victim.