A woman in Chesterfield County, Virginia, shot her boyfriend early Monday morning in an apparent act of self-defense after he allegedly assaulted and strangled her. Police confirmed the shooting was justified, and the boyfriend, Adryan Whitted, was charged with domestic assault and strangulation while remaining in custody at the hospital.

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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA (2-minute read) — Authorities are investigating a self-defense shooting that occurred early Monday morning in Chesterfield County, where a woman shot her boyfriend after he allegedly attacked and strangled her.

Just after 1 a.m. on March 10, Chesterfield County Police responded to a home on Heybridge Court following a 911 call from a woman who reported that she had shot her boyfriend in self-defense. When officers arrived, they found both individuals injured but in stable condition. The man, later identified as 46-year-old Adryan Whitted, had been shot and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

After conducting an investigation, police charged Whitted with strangulation and domestic assault. He remains hospitalized under police custody. Officials consulted with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and based on the evidence, determined that the woman acted in self-defense.

Domestic violence situations can escalate quickly, and in some cases, victims may be forced to use a firearm to protect themselves. Self-defense laws vary by state, but in Virginia, individuals have the right to use reasonable force—including deadly force—if they are in imminent danger of serious harm or death.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released.

Safety Tip: If you own a firearm for self-defense, ensure you understand your state’s laws regarding justified use of force. Additionally, having a personal safety plan and seeking help in dangerous domestic situations can be lifesaving.