Facebook connection turns into battery - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison police say a 19-year-old woman was attacked Wednesday afternoon by a man she met on Facebook.

The victim says the two began dating about a week ago.  Wednesday, they were driving in her SUV when he ordered her to pull into an isolated area near E. Washington Avenue and Highway 30.  That's when 18-year-old Donald Sampson, Jr. used a seatbelt to strangle her.  He also pulled out strands of her hair.

The woman eventually drove to a west side neighborhood where she has friends.  When she pulled onto Bettys Lane, she had hopes of getting help by sounding the horn.  She instead was strangled and had her hair pulled again.

Some concerned citizens intervened.  Sampson fled, but was later arrested by the MPD at his Coho St. home.  He has been the subject of past violence against females, including an assault last year.

In that incident, Sampson, then 17, was arrested for aggravated physical abuse of a child.  The 15-year-old female victim was knocked unconscious after being attacked.  She was also kicked numerous times in the face and ribs.