Tiverton man accused of attacking woman, threatening neighbor with crossbow

TIVERTON, R.I. — A Tiverton man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he assaulted a woman inside a home and later confronted the victim and a neighbor while armed with a loaded crossbow.

According to investigators, officers responded to North Court on March 30 after receiving a report of a man with a weapon. When police arrived, they encountered Ian Van Dijk running while carrying a crossbow, according to authorities.

Police said the woman told officers Van Dijk strangled her and threw her into a bookcase inside the residence. She reportedly escaped and ran to a neighboring home for help where she was let inside.

The situation escalated when Van Dijk allegedly retrieved a crossbow and approached the neighbor’s house. Police say the neighbor reported that he pointed the weapon toward the home and tried to gain entry by tampering with the door handle and keypad. Officers later seized the crossbow and said it was loaded and ready to fire.

Both the victim and Van Dijk were taken to a hospital following the incident. Authorities said he is now charged with:

• Domestic Violence – Felony Assault and/or Battery
• Felony Assault and/or Battery
• Domestic Assault by Strangulation
• Domestic Violence – Attempted Breaking and Entering
• Domestic Violence – Simple Assault and/or Battery – 1st Offense
• Domestic Violence – Disorderly Conduct – 1st Offense

Police have not released additional details on the condition of the victim.