Athens man arrested for beating and holding girlfriend prisoner

By Joe Johnson

Joseph Daniel Harper, 42, was arrested on the afternoon of October 20th after he beat his girlfriend and wouldn’t let her leave the apartment.

The 50-year-old victim told police that Harper punched her, struck her head with a pipe and threatened to stab her with a knife.

Her face was bruised and she had a black eye, but declined medical attention.

The incident happened at the Clarke Gardens complex while Harper was in violation of a court protective order from precious domestic violence.

He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, terroristic threats and acts,

and aggravated stalking.

He is being held without bail at this county jail.

Anyone who is in an abusive relationship can seek advice and support services by calling Project Safe's 24-hour hotline at (706) 543-3331, or by visiting http://www.project-safe.org