A 28-year-old Ocala man was arrested after he was accused of choking a female victim until she lost consciousness.
On Friday, July 22, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a local residence in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the female victim who stated that the incident began when Willie Thomas IV “became angry with her.”
According to the victim, she was sitting on the couch when Thomas began to choke her. She stated that she repeatedly asked him to stop and leave the residence, but he allegedly continued to choke her until she eventually “passed out.”
After the incident, the victim stated that Thomas began “looking for something” in the home, and she used that window of time to run to a neighbor’s house.
The victim showed video footage of the incident to the deputy which had been captured on the victim’s home surveillance camera. The MCSO report indicated that Thomas was seen on the footage with his hand on the victim’s throat, and the deputy noted that the victim was heard screaming for Thomas to leave.
The deputy observed a red abrasion that went across the victim’s throat.
Another MCSO deputy located Thomas in the 14500 block of SW 34th Terrace Road, and he was observed throwing a bag over a fence. The bag was recovered and 28 grams of marijuana was found inside.
Thomas was detained and several deputies attempted to place him into the back of a patrol car. The MCSO report indicated that Thomas resisted by refusing to place his feet inside the car, and one of the deputies had to push Thomas’ feet in the car in order to close the door.
During an interview with MCSO, Thomas denied choking the victim.
Thomas was arrested, transported to Marion County Jail, and he was later released on $6,000 bond. He is facing felony charges for domestic battery by strangulation and possession of marijuana (over 20 grams), along with a misdemeanor charge for resisting a law enforcement officer.
A court date has been scheduled on Tuesday, August 23 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.