Long Island man allegedly throws sulfuric acid onto girlfriend after argument

SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (TCN) -- A man has been indicted for first-degree assault for allegedly throwing sulfuric acid on his girlfriend, causing chemical burns, authorities say.

On Dec. 11, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced Douglas Graves, 42, was charged with charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with a witness, criminal contempt, and attempted criminal contempt in connection with the alleged attack.

According to the district attorney’s office, Graves and his girlfriend, who has not been named, were at a residence in Wyandanch, New York, on Nov. 16 when the alleged attack occurred. When she attempted to leave to go home, the two got into an argument. Graves then allegedly grabbed a bleach bottle full of sulfuric acid and splashed it on her. The acid burned through her clothes and onto her skin. 

The victim called the police and by the time they arrived, Graves had fled. She reportedly told responding officers that Graves often carried the acid with him for personal protection.

The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of chemical burns and will need reconstructive surgery to repair the skin damage, according to the district attorney’s office. 

WPIX reports Graves was taken into custody Nov. 16. He allegedly tried to call the victim while she was in the hospital. In addition, he allegedly called two other women from jail to ask them to prevent the victim from testifying in court. 

At his arraignment Dec. 11, a judge ordered Graves held on $150,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $1 million partially secured bond. He is due back in court Jan. 8 and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted, according to the district attorney’s office.

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