PALM COAST, Florida – A Palm Coast man accused of battering and strangling a pregnant woman during a prolonged domestic violence incident has been arrested following a multi-agency manhunt, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Damien Irven, 25, was taken into custody Tuesday evening in Daytona Beach with assistance from the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Victim Reported Hours-Long Assault
Deputies responded May 18 to a domestic disturbance at a Palm Coast residence, where the victim reported a violent assault that allegedly lasted between five and six hours.
According to investigators, the incident began after an argument over text messages escalated into physical violence.
The victim told deputies Irven:
- Physically assaulted her
- Strangled her to the point she could not breathe
- Prevented her from leaving the residence
Authorities said the victim believed she was going to be killed during the attack.
Investigators also said Irven allegedly threatened to kill the woman during a phone call the following day if she contacted law enforcement.
Arrested in Daytona Beach
Following the investigation, a warrant was issued for Irven’s arrest.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit worked with the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team to locate Irven at an apartment complex in Daytona Beach on May 19.
Rick Staly condemned the alleged attack.
“This suspect spent hours terrorizing a pregnant woman in her own home and then threatened her life if she called for help. That is pure evil,” Staly said.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Irven is facing several felony charges, including:
- Domestic battery by strangulation
- Aggravated battery on a pregnant person
- Tampering with a witness
- Felony battery (prior conviction)
- Robbery by sudden snatching
- False imprisonment
Authorities said Irven was booked into the Volusia County Jail, where he is awaiting extradition to Flagler County.
The sheriff’s office noted Irven has a prior domestic battery conviction in Flagler County.
Officials urged anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help by contacting law enforcement or the Family Life Center at 386-437-3505.