A Norfolk man who punched his girlfriend during an argument, then hit her with a car as she tried to walk away, has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Michael Allen Faulkner Jr., 29, pleaded guilty to felony malicious wounding and misdemeanor domestic assault after a violent confrontation last December that left the victim unconscious in the street.
It happened on Christmas Eve 2024. Faulkner and the woman were arguing inside his car while driving near the intersection of Campostella and Indian River roads. According to prosecutors, he pulled her toward him and punched her in the face.
She got out of the car while it was stopped. But instead of driving away for good, Faulkner circled back — and ran into her with the vehicle. The impact threw her onto the hood and knocked her out.
He fled the scene, but Norfolk Police found his car shortly after in the Berkley area. Officers spotted Faulkner walking nearby and arrested him. Police say he confessed after being read his rights.
At the Oct. 10 sentencing, the victim spoke about how the attack has impacted her life — physically, mentally, and financially.
Prosecutors asked for four years and four months, close to the maximum recommended under state guidelines. Judge David W. Lannetti ultimately sentenced Faulkner to four years in prison, with another seven years suspended.
As part of the sentence, Faulkner must:
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Complete supervised probation after his release,
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Remain on good behavior for 10 years,
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Pay restitution for the victim’s medical expenses, and
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Comply with a permanent protective order barring contact with the victim.
“A car, used wrong, is as much of a deadly weapon as a knife or gun,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “We are fortunate that the victim did not suffer more serious injuries than she did, and I am grateful to her and to the Norfolk Police for helping secure accountability against Mr. Faulkner for this violent crime.”