VALDOSTA – A Valdosta man was arrested early Wednesday morning for allegedly attacking a woman with a screwdriver in the presence of children, according to Valdosta Police Department reports.

At approximately 4:13 a.m., VPD officers responded to the 1800 block of North Ashley Street in reference to a 911 call about an ex-boyfriend attempting to break into a woman’s residence, reports stated.

The ex-boyfriend busted a window, entered the woman’s residence, grabbed her phone and assaulted her with a screwdriver. Children were present during the incident, according to reports.

The man fled on foot when officers arrived but was apprehended about 100 feet from the residence, according to reports.

Willie James, 49, was arrested and faces charges of aggravated assault, obstructing a law enforcement officer, criminal trespassing on private property-vandalism and cruelty to children, reports stated.

James was taken to the Lowndes County Jail.