The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A homeowner is facing charges after allegedly throwing coffee on a woman, her baby, and their dog when she became upset that they were walking the canine near her house without a leash.
The alleged incident was said to have occurred on the morning of November 14, near a private residence. A woman had been walking with her infant and their dog when the encounter took place. According to her account of the events, she was passing along an easement outside a locked gate. Her dog was not leashed but was reportedly walking close beside her as she neared the property, where the homeowner was outside with her own dog.
The woman told authorities that the homeowner began shouting about the lack of a leash. She stated that the homeowner then threw coffee at her dog while expressing frustration about a past incident involving a dog. The woman said she responded verbally, and the homeowner moved closer to the gate, reportedly closing the distance before throwing coffee that struck both the woman and her baby. After the liquid hit them, the woman began recording the exchange on her phone.
When deputies contacted the woman at her nearby home, she provided the video. According to law enforcement, the recording showed the homeowner was behind a gated fence holding a mug while arguing with the woman. Deputies reported seeing dried coffee on the woman, her infant, and the dog, which they believed supported her account of what happened.
Deputies spoke with the homeowner, and she reportedly said she threw the coffee toward the dog. She added that she did not intend for the liquid to hit the woman or her child, and said the incident occurred because she was concerned that their dog was upsetting her own. She also told them she was pretty sure they were on her property at the time.
The homeowner was taken into custody without incident and charged with two counts of battery. She was later released after posting bond.
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.