A 46-year-old Ocala man was arrested after a woman accused him of choking her during an argument over gifts.
On Friday, December 30, the female victim contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to report a physical altercation that had occurred between herself and Neal Philip Purdy.
The victim stated that the incident began on Friday, December 16 when she told Purdy that he needed to buy gifts for his children. She advised that an argument quickly escalated, and Purdy allegedly grabbed her by the throat and choked her to the point that she urinated on herself, according to the MCSO report.
During the incident, the victim stated that she was unsure if she lost consciousness. Once she stood up, she advised that she pointed a finger in Purdy’s face and told him, “You just choked me.” He allegedly responded by biting the victim’s right pointer finger.
The victim told the deputy that she proceeded to leave the residence to avoid any further violence.
In the MCSO report, the deputy noted that the victim had timestamped photos from December 16 that showed “extreme redness” around her neck. The victim also had timestamped photos from December 17 that showed three red marks on the right side of her neck and one red mark on the left side of her neck that appeared to be consistent with a hand print.
Medics responded to check on the victim and she declined any treatment. She told the deputy that she did not report the incident when it occurred because she feared retaliation from Purdy.
Purdy was located, arrested, and transported to Marion County Jail. He was later released on $2,500 bond, and he is facing a felony charge for committing domestic battery by strangulation.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31, according to jail records.