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Friday, March 29, 2024

Ocala man punches co-worker, knocks out several teeth

A 49-year-old Ocala man was arrested after punching a co-worker and knocking out several of the victim’s teeth.

On Tuesday, November 16 at around 10 p.m., an Ocala Police Department officer arrived at Grace Japanese Steak House located at 3035 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala in reference to a reported battery.

The officer met a male victim with dried blood around his mouth and two of his front bottom teeth were missing.

Through a translator, the victim advised that he was working in the kitchen when another employee, later identified as Jiyao Jiang, walked toward him and punched him in the face.

Ocala man punches co worker and knocks out several of the victim's teeth.
Jiyao Jiang

According to the victim, Jiang was often aggressive with other employees. The victim was unsure why he was punched.

Another employee confirmed with the officer that Jiang appeared to initiate the attack.

The officer met with Jiang in the back of the restaurant and spoke with him through an interpreter. Jiang stated that he told the victim to “do his job.” This allegedly made the victim angry and led to an argument.

Jiang then claimed to have pushed the victim in the chest. He also admitted to punching the victim in the mouth which knocked out the victim’s teeth.

The OPD report indicated that Jiang was smiling and laughing throughout the police interview.

The victim led the officer near a cooking stove to show where the incident occurred, and one of his missing teeth was found mixed in with food that was being cooked.

Jiang was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he faces a felony charge for aggravated battery.

He is currently being held on $50,000 bond and a court date has been scheduled on December 21 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.