Authorities in Florida arrested a man accused of assaulting his wife and daughter during a violent altercation while driving with his family on Highway 79.
According to reports, the incident began when one of the children in the vehicle became frightened by the escalating fight between her parents. The girl secretly called 911 to report the situation, and the dispatchers were able to get a description of the vehicle, in addition to finding out the approximate location where they were driving. The call was disconnected, and deputies went to search the area.
When the vehicle was spotted, a traffic stop was initiated, but the driver allegedly ignored their commands and kept going for a short distance. He then reportedly opened the driver’s side door and leapt from the moving vehicle, leaving his family inside the still-moving car. It was reported that after hopping out, he attempted to run away, but deputies pursued and quickly caught him.
The man’s wife climbed over the center console and brought the car to a stop. When the officers talked to her, they reported that there were visible injuries on her face. She told investigators that during the incident, her husband had refused to stop the car when she told him she wanted to get out with the children. The man allegedly struck his wife, and after he learned their daughter had called the authorities, he reportedly hit her as well. The family was given medical attention at the scene by emergency responders.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Washington County Jail. He is facing several preliminary charges, including child abuse, domestic violence battery, false imprisonment, tampering with or harassing a witness, attempting to elude law enforcement, resisting arrest, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. At the time this was written, it was reported that the suspect was still behind bars.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.