SANDUSKY, OH – A Sandusky man is facing serious charges after authorities say he strangled a woman, assaulted her young child, and made a menacing threat, thrusting the quiet lakeside city into the spotlight as investigators pieced together a harrowing domestic violence case.
The incident came to light July 18, when a visibly distressed woman entered the Sandusky police station, initially asking for information on handling a domestic dispute. As she spoke with police, the situation took on new urgency; she shared increasingly disturbing details about an alleged violent outburst the night before.
According to investigators, Thomas Vance, 44, became enraged on July 17 and allegedly attacked the woman inside her home. During the ordeal, officers say Vance struck and strangled her, then turned his aggression to her 2-year-old child. The woman said she tried to shield her toddler, fighting back by kicking and biting Vance in a desperate attempt to stop the violence.
The woman sought medical attention that night, seeking relief for injuries including abnormal bleeding, a swollen throat, and visible bruising. However, after learning about long wait times at the local emergency room, she left without treatment. When she spoke with police, officers observed and documented her bruises, but she declined to have further photographs taken, adding she did not want Vance jailed that particular weekend.
Despite initial reluctance to press charges, the severity of the injuries prompted Sandusky police to pursue the case. Officers attempted to contact Vance but were unsuccessful, eventually obtaining a warrant for his arrest.
Adding weight to the investigation, detectives discovered that Vance has a prior history of domestic violence. Records show a 2005 conviction in Tiffin Municipal Court, where a misdemeanor charge was elevated to a felony.
Vance was located and arrested on December 29. He faces multiple charges, including two counts each of assault and domestic violence, and one count each of strangulation and endangering children.
Police said the woman also reported that Vance threatened to “make her life hard” and “make her feel the pain he is feeling,” intensifying concerns for her safety and that of her child.
Authorities say the child did not require immediate medical attention, but both mother and child are continuing to receive support as the investigation proceeds.
As of this week, Vance is no longer being held in custody. He is expected to answer the charges in court on Friday. The case has renewed calls for awareness and resources surrounding domestic violence in small communities like Sandusky.
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement urging anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek help through local or national hotlines.