Chatham-Kent Police had some help from Mother Nature to track down a suspected abuser.

Authorities were called to a domestic disturbance in Chatham just before 2 this morning, but say the accused fled before they arrived.

However, officers were able to follow the suspect’s footprints through the snow and found him hiding in a tree about two kilometres away.

The victim was taken to hospital for medical attention.

A 36-year-old man has now been charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats. He was also charged in connection to an outstanding warrant involving an assault against a different woman.