An Ocala man accused of punching a woman after a text argument was also arrested on drug charges when marijuana was found in his pocket.
Austin William Osborne, 21, of SE 70th Circle was charged with simple domestic battery, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug equipment after the incident, which happened Wednesday morning.
The victim told a Marion County sheriff’s deputy she lives at the residence with Osborne and his mother, and that Osborne sleeps at home about four nights a week. She said when Osborne was outside the home, they engaged in an argument via text message, according to the sheriff’s office report.
The victim said she told Osborne she was going to lock the door because he was threatening her. He replied, “I dare you lock that door I’ll slap TF out you and I put that on everything think it a game.” The victim said she planned on unlocking the door and running to her room before Osborne could get in, but as soon as she unlocked the door, he hit her on her left cheek, causing her to bite the inside of her mouth, the report said.
The victim said after Osborne fled the scene, she messaged him to say she was pressing charges and he was going to have a warrant. He replied, “So you called the cops I thought you were if I did something else,” according to the report.
The deputy completed the investigation and left the scene. While driving through an adjacent neighborhood, the deputy observed Osborne walking down NE 1st Place. The deputy stopped Osborne, told him to remove his hands from his pants pocket, and asked if he had anything on him that he wasn’t supposed to have. Osborne said he only had a little bit of weed and removed a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance from his pocket along with a marijuana grinder, the report said.
After being read his Miranda rights, Osborne admitted to hitting the victim on her cheek. He said he didn’t know why but mentioned “seeing black” and that he hoped he didn’t hurt her. Osborne admitted to purchasing the marijuana from a friend and said it was for his personal use. The green leafy substance tested positive for THC content, according to the report.
Osborne was taken to the Marion County Jail, where he was being held Friday on $1,500 bond. He’s scheduled to appear in Marion County Court on April 7.