A 32-year-old Ocala man was arrested after a female victim accused him of strangling her during an argument over text messages that were on her cellphone.
On Tuesday, 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 she had gotten into an argument with Taphserr Lamont Taal.
According to the victim, Taal pushed her into the microwave during the argument. The victim then alleged that Taal strangled her, put a large kitchen pot over her head, strangled her a second time, and then poured water over her and a child who was also present during the alleged incident.
The victim told the deputy that she kicked and scratched at Taal while she was trying to get away from him. The deputy observed that the victim had the following injuries: a large bump on the top of her head; a large red mark on her neck that had a visible hand imprint of a thumb and index finger; a scratch on each of her thighs that appeared to be fresh; and a large area of swelling on the back side of her shoulder.
While the victim was allegedly being strangled by Taal, she stated that she was unable to breathe.
The deputy spoke with the child and asked what had happened. The child told the deputy that Taal and the victim were arguing, and the child claimed to have gotten “squished” by Taal. He also allegedly poured water onto the child.
After speaking with the victim and child, the deputy interviewed Taal. He claimed that the victim had slapped him in the face and “grabbed onto him” during the argument. He stated that he pushed the victim away, and he mentioned that the child had attempted to intervene.
Taal claimed that the victim slapped him again, and then he stated that he separated from the victim until law enforcement arrived on scene.
The deputy observed a small scrape on Taal’s knuckle and elbow that looked fresh. No redness or swelling was detected on his face. Taal showed the deputy several scrapes that were on his neck area, but the deputy noted in the report that those scrapes did not appear to be fresh.
Taal was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $4,500 bond. He is facing a felony charge for domestic battery by strangulation along with a misdemeanor charge for battery.
A court date has been scheduled on Tuesday, September 20 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.