A Billings man is behind bars Friday night in Butte for allegedly repeatedly assaulting a 60 year old woman for several hours and holding her captive.

James Michael Stewart, 38, made his initial appearance before Judge Bob Lee Friday afternoon. He was arrested Thursday night after police responded to a report of a traffic accident in the Excelsior Street area.

A woman reported Stewart hit her vehicle and got out and yelled at her. That's when she reportedly noticed blood on his hands and a female with a bloody bruised face sitting in a van. Stewart fled the scene before police arrived, and was later arrested.

The victim says Stewart repeatedly beat her through the night , and restrained her when she tried to escape. Judge Lee charged him with felony partner or family member assault, unlawful restraint and criminal mischief.

Bond is set at $25,000. No word yet on the victim's condition.