The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was arrested after the authorities accused him of attacking a teenage boy during a confrontation that began when two juveniles walked through his backyard.
According to investigators, a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old were crossing the property at about 7:10 p.m. when the homeowner’s wife came outside and told them to leave. The 13-year-old reportedly responded with profanity, and she went back inside to tell her husband what had happened.
The authorities said the homeowner then came outside and confronted the boys. The older teen reportedly began recording the encounter on his cellphone because he allegedly felt threatened. Investigators said the man first pushed the teen near the collarbone before allegedly grabbing him by the neck and squeezing.
According to the authorities, the man then took the cellphone from the teen’s hands and threw it into a nearby lake behind the property, destroying it. After the confrontation ended, the two boys returned to the older teen’s home, where his father encouraged them to contact 911.
When deputies responded, they reported finding bruises on the alleged victim’s neck. Court records stated the injuries included finger-shaped marks that investigators believed were consistent with the teen’s account. The alleged victim’s father later told the authorities he wanted to pursue criminal charges.
The 70-year-old homeowner was charged with third-degree battery by strangulation, third-degree robbery by sudden snatching, and misdemeanor criminal mischief for property damage between $200 and $1,000.
Court records showed he made his first court appearance the following day and was later released from the county jail. He is scheduled to return to court for arraignment at a later date. The allegations remain pending while the district attorney’s office reviews the filing.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.