A 45-year-old Reddick man was arrested after he allegedly punched and choked a female victim inside of her vehicle.
On Saturday, February 19, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a NW 155th Street residence in Reddick in reference to a domestic battery incident.
Upon arrival, a female victim stated that she had arrived at the location to pick up her children to take them to a local event. The victim saw David Laron Edwards, and he approached her vehicle and climbed inside.
According to the victim, an argument quickly ensued, and Edwards began to punch her in the face. He then allegedly ripped her shirt and bra off and started choking her.
The victim was unable to recall if her breathing was restricted. She stated that she felt dizzy and confused while she was being choked.
Edwards allegedly continued to punch her until she told him that she loved him. After hearing those words, the victim stated that Edwards stopped the attack and exited the vehicle. The victim then contacted law enforcement.
The victim told the deputy that she feared for her life during the attack.
The deputy located Edwards and he admitted that an argument had taken place. He claimed that the victim slapped his glasses off his face, and he “just reacted.” When asked to elaborate, he told the deputy that “anyone would defend themselves.” The deputy observed that he had small abrasions on both of his hands.
Marion County Fire Rescue arrived on scene. After the victim’s vitals were taken, she was medically cleared, and she refused to be transported to the hospital.
According to the MCSO report, the victim’s upper lip was swollen and bleeding, she had an abrasion on her right cheek that was the size of a dime, her left cheek was swollen, redness was visible on her neck, and a scratch approximately three-quarters of an inch in length was on the base of her neck.
The victim’s glasses were also broken, and her shirt was ripped and dirty.
A criminal background check on Edwards revealed that he did not have any prior convictions for battery. He was arrested, transported to Marion County Jail, and he was later released on $1,000 bond.
Edwards is facing a felony charge for domestic battery by strangulation. A court date has been scheduled on Tuesday, March 22 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.