Deputies with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) arrested a man who they said committed aggravated battery on a Circle K employee, rupturing her eardrums.
Deputies said on Friday, around 6 a.m., the suspect, 33-year-old JJ, entered the Circle K located at Southwest 13th Street and asked to speak to the victim in the manager’s office.
J told the employee he did not mean to steal items from the store and said he was taking accountability for his actions.
The victim told J he still hadn’t paid for the items he had taken.
According to the arrest report, J became upset and began hitting the store’s computer monitors in front of the victim.
J then allegedly flipped the victim out of the chair she was sitting in, causing her to fall to the floor.
As J stood over her, the victim began kicking him, leading to two physical altercations before he fled the scene as law enforcement arrived.
Deputies called J on the phone, and they said he admitted to damaging the store computers because he had been fired.
J also allegedly admitted to flipping the victim out of her chair, but claimed he acted in self-defense as the victim was coming towards him after he damaged the property.
Deputies said J’s statements were not supported by surveillance footage.
The store manager told authorities that the door damage would cost $119 to fix, along with $175 for service and labor. The total damages amounted to more than $850.
Deputies said J damaged about $400 in computer equipment. The victim was also scheduled to be the shift manager that morning, but due to the battery lost her wages for that day.
The victim’s CT scan at UF Shands revealed a ruptured eardrum as a result of the altercation with J, resulting in significant hearing loss. The victim also sustained multiple cuts and bruises.
J was booked in the Alachua County Jail on Saturday morning. He faces charges of aggravated battery and criminal mischief.
His bond is set at $80,000.
Personal injuries can disrupt your life in many ways. Ovadia Law Group is dedicated to helping you regain control and secure the compensation you need. Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury cases and are committed to achieving justice for our clients. Contact us at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case, provide expert legal guidance, and represent you with diligence and integrity. With Ovadia Law Group, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
Source: wcjb
