MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police said a woman was beaten and barricaded in a North Memphis home by a man she’d met only a few weeks ago.
The man responsible, Johnson Saulsberry was taken into custody, charged with kidnapping and assault.
Laura Dunlap said she borrowed Saulsberry’s car Tuesday, and when she returned it to his home on North Parkway that night, she said he was acting strange.
“Next thing I know, he locks the door behind us and all of a sudden loses the key,” said Dunlap.
She said her gut feeling was telling her something wasn’t right.
“I was quiet. I was trying to cooperate with him until he started getting physical. He started pushing me, grabbing me really hard and shaking me like I’m a rag doll,” she said.
Dunlap said she texted her mom to call 911, and shortly after, an officer was knocking at his door.
Police said they tried to reason with Saulsberry for nearly an hour.
“Every time I would move out of his way he would block me,” said Dunlap.
Police said eventually Dunlap came out of the home unharmed, and soon after, Saulsberry surrendered too.
This wasn’t the first time, Saulsberry has been in trouble.
He’s been arrested for domestic assault, drugs, criminal trespass, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery.
Saulsberry told police he thought they were after Dunlap, so he was protecting her.
Dunlap said physically, she’s okay.
Saulsberry is due in court Thursday morning.
