Suspect Arrested After Rocky Mount Assault, Route 619 Wreck

ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – A Pittsylvania County man is hospitalized under police custody after wrecking following a domestic assault in Rocky Mount.

Steven Robert Banks, age 27, white male, of Buckview Lane, Dry Fork, Va., will be charged with domestic assault after an incident at PlyGem followed by a wreck in Franklin County.

Both the suspect and the victim of the crime are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount resulting from the car crash.

The preliminary investigation indicates the victim, Jessica C. Birge, age 24, of Pittyslvania County, was assaulted at PlyGem, where she works. Banks headed south from Rocky Mount on Business U.S. 220, then exited the vehicle near Route 619, Sontag Road. When he did so, Birge moved into the driver’s seat and attempted to drive off. Banks re-entered the vehicle and caused the vehicle to wreck.

Rocky Mount Police and Franklin County sheriff’s officers were attempting to locate the suspect vehicle in the area. 

After the wreck, Banks ran into a nearby wooded area on foot, where he was pursued and caught by police and deputies. 

“I’d like to commend our officers, the Franklin County sheriff’s deputies and Virginia State Police for their efforts to bring this case to a resolution so quickly,” said Rocky Mount Police Chief K.E. Criner. “Cooperative police work and her efforts to fight back and free herself from the situation means this victim was returned to safety very quickly, the best possible outcome.”

More information will be forthcoming after charges are officially placed.