A 39-year-old Ocala man was arrested after allegedly strangling a female victim and stealing her iPhone.
On Sunday, October 17 shortly before 1:30 p.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to an Ocala residence in response to a physical altercation.
A female victim at the residence told the deputy that she got into an argument with Jason Matthew Cox that turned physical.
The victim stated that Cox woke up in a bad mood, and she asked him repeatedly to leave the residence. This led to an argument, and Cox allegedly shoved her from behind into a plant that was hanging in her bedroom.
Cox then allegedly grabbed her from behind, wrapped his arm around her throat, and began choking her. She indicated that Cox pulled her onto the bed, put his legs around her, and stretched her body out, making it difficult to breathe.
As Cox continued to choke her, the victim allegedly tapped him on his arms and said that she was sorry. He released his grip, and she walked toward the bedroom door.
According to the victim, Cox shoved her into the bedroom door, creating a shoulder-height hole in the door that the deputy observed.
She managed to walk outside, and she stated that Cox told her, “I’ll find you,” before leaving the residence.
Once he was gone, she realized her iPhone was missing. She told the deputy that the phone contains pictures and evidence regarding a previous battery for which Cox had been previously arrested.
The deputy observed bruising on the victim that was consistent with her statement.
A short time after the deputy arrived at the residence, another patrolling deputy spotted Cox’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
Cox spoke with the deputy and admitted to the altercation. He stated that the victim began yelling at him and became aggressive.
According to Cox, the victim started to shove him, and he responded by pushing her in the chest or stomach. He denied choking her.
Cox was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail. He faces felony charges for domestic battery by strangulation and grand theft.
He is currently being held on $10,000 bond. No court date has been scheduled yet, according to jail records.