A 27-year-old Ocala man was arrested and charged with felony battery after allegedly attacking a victim who he says called him a racial slur.
A deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in reference to a battery on Thursday, September 2.
Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with a victim and observed blood, as well as several lacerations and other injuries over her face and body.
According to a report from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Talique Stephen stated several times he and the victim have had ongoing issues, but would not clarify what took place during the incident.
Stephen eventually alleged the victim called him the n-word, but would not state what happened afterwards, according to the report.
The victim says she remembers getting into a verbal argument with the defendant about the residence not being clean before she says Stephen attacked her. She says she was knocked unconscious and when she regained consciousness, she tried to fight back.
A witness who was on the phone with the victim during the incident says she could overhear Stephen and the victim arguing. The witness says at one point, the victim called Stephen the n-word, before the witness says she heard what she believed to be Stephen hitting the victim. She says she could hear the victim screaming for help before the call disconnected.
Stephen was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. He faces a charge of felony battery, and was given a bond of $5,000. He was released on Friday, September 3 after posting bond, according to jail records.