Ocean City man charged with false imprisonment

An Ocean City man has been charged with second degree assault and false imprisonment after allegedly trying to prevent a woman from talking to the police.  

According to the Wicomico County Sheriff Office, 38-year-old John Nicholas got into an argument with a woman on Whitesville Road just outside of Pittsville.

Nicholas allegedly had dragged the woman, who has not been identified, into the woods when he learned police had been called.

Authorities say they were told he pushed her down to the ground, bit her on the nose, choked her  and then hit her over the head.

When the two emerged from the woods, officers say they heard Nicholas threatening her to not tell the police what had happened.

Police say there were signs of serious injury on the victim.

Nicholas was placed under arrest and was later released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on January 31st.