ATLANTA, Georgia – A Georgia woman is recovering after surviving a brutal domestic violence attack in which her ex-boyfriend allegedly shot her 10 times and then drove her around for hours instead of seeking help. The young woman chose to speak out in hopes of warning others who may be trapped in dangerous or abusive relationships.
The Incident Overview
According to the victim, 23-year-old Shamay Pitt, the terrifying ordeal began on November 2 after she agreed to meet her former boyfriend, 25-year-old Joshua Woodruff. Pitt told reporters that she picked him up in her car to talk, but the conversation suddenly escalated. She says Woodruff pulled out a gun and opened fire while she was still behind the wheel.
“My ears are ringing, but I come into realization that he is shooting at me,” Pitt told WSB during the interview.
The gunfire left her severely injured, but the nightmare was far from over.
Hours of Fear Across Multiple Georgia Counties
Instead of stopping or calling for help, Woodruff allegedly forced Pitt into the passenger seat and began driving her car across multiple counties. Investigators say he traveled from DeKalb County through several parts of Georgia, keeping the bleeding woman trapped for hours.
Pitt described the moment she realized the extent of her injuries, saying she could literally see her body torn open.
She recalled pleading for help:
“Just lay me on the grass, so I can breathe. I don’t want to die in this car.”
According to her account, Woodruff continued the drive despite her worsening condition and her repeated requests to stop.
Hospital Drop-Off and the Suspect’s Arrest
The ordeal finally ended when Woodruff drove to WellStar Douglas Hospital in Douglasville, Georgia, and dropped her at the entrance. Pitt was then rushed by paramedics to Kennestone Hospital for emergency surgery.
As stated in the arrest warrant, hospital security detained Woodruff shortly after he arrived. A Douglasville Police Department officer then took him into custody. He was initially charged with obstruction or hindering law enforcement, but officials later upgraded the charges to:
- False imprisonment
- Aggravated assault
Woodruff is currently held at the Douglas County Jail on a $10,000 bond, and was scheduled for a court appearance earlier this week.
Key Facts of the Case
- Victim: Shamay Pitt, 23
- Suspect: Joshua Woodruff, 25
- Date of incident: November 2
- Number of gunshot wounds: 10
- Charges: False imprisonment, aggravated assault
- Location: DeKalb County → Douglas County, Georgia
Witness Accounts and Pitt’s Emotional Statement
Pitt’s decision to speak publicly about the attack has been rooted in her desire to protect others. She shared her experience to raise awareness about the warning signs of abusive relationships.
“If you see that red flag, run away,” Pitt told the station.
Her powerful message reflects the emotional and physical trauma she continues to battle as she heals.
Warning Signs in Abusive Relationships
Experts say incidents like this highlight the importance of recognizing early signs of domestic abuse—controlling behavior, threats, sudden anger, or isolation from friends and family. Advocates emphasize that victims often hesitate to leave dangerous partners due to fear, manipulation, or lack of support.
Domestic violence is a leading cause of injury for women in the United States, and authorities urge those feeling unsafe to seek immediate help from law enforcement or domestic violence hotlines.
Community Support and Recovery
While Pitt continues to undergo treatment for her wounds, her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her growing medical expenses. Loved ones say she has a long recovery ahead but remain grateful that she is alive after experiencing such a violent attack.
Conclusion
This frightening incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers many individuals face in abusive relationships. Pitt’s survival is nothing short of a miracle, and her bravery in sharing her story may help others identify warning signs before tragedy occurs.
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a situation involving domestic violence? Share your experiences in the comments below.
