McKEES ROCKS, PA – A 24-year-old man from Allegheny County faces an array of serious charges after allegedly attacking his pregnant ex-girlfriend, engaging in a violent standoff during a rescue attempt, and briefly abducting her toddler, according to local authorities.

The investigation began in late August when McKees Rocks police responded to reports of an assault at an apartment on the borough’s north side. The incident marked the culmination of escalating domestic violence, police said, and ended with the accused, Justin Daugherty, evading arrest for months before being taken into custody last Friday.

Court documents detail a harrowing series of events that began on Aug. 27. Officers responded after a woman reported being beaten and forcibly restrained by Daugherty, her former partner. According to police records, this confrontation came just days after Daugherty was released from jail for a prior domestic violence offense involving the same woman.

During the alleged ordeal, Daugherty was said to be enraged over the victim’s new relationship and learned that she was expecting a child with another man. Police allege Daugherty physically assaulted her, focusing repeated blows to her abdomen over several days, all while keeping her confined against her will.

A criminal complaint indicates the abuse only ended after the victim managed to secretly contact her current boyfriend. He and a friend attempted a rescue, but their intervention took a violent turn. Daugherty allegedly brandished a handgun and fired at the men, striking one before abducting the woman and her one-year-old child and forcing them into his vehicle.

While inside the car, investigators say the victim covertly notified 911 dispatch about her whereabouts, prompting a law enforcement response. Daugherty reportedly threatened her with further harm if she disclosed the ordeal to investigators before eventually releasing her and the child near her apartment.

The incident initiated a months-long search for Daugherty, who fled the scene and remained at large despite active warrants for his arrest. Detectives tracked him this week to a residence in Stowe Township, where they obtained a search warrant and attempted to apprehend him.

Authorities said that upon their arrival early Friday morning, Daugherty tried to escape by climbing through a window. Officers quickly secured the area, and after a brief standoff inside the residence, he surrendered without incident. Daugherty was transported to the Allegheny County Jail, where he is currently held without bond.

The charges against Daugherty are extensive, including aggravated assault of an unborn child, kidnapping, endangering the welfare of children, several firearms violations, intimidation of a witness, and multiple counts of assault and making terroristic threats. Records also show previous felonies on his record, adding to the severity of the current charges.

Officials say the victim and her child are recovering and have been connected with advocacy and support resources. A preliminary court hearing for Daugherty is scheduled for Nov. 18.

The case has prompted renewed discussion among local leaders and advocates about the dangers of repeat domestic violence offenders and the challenges authorities face in tracking individuals with a history of evading arrest.