A 32-year-old man was arrested by the Ocala Police Department after his girlfriend accused him of choking and punching her inside a hotel room.
On Wednesday, January 11, at approximately 12 p.m., an OPD officer responded to the incident location and made contact with the female victim and a man who was identified as Justin Gore, according to the OPD report.
The victim told the officer that she was involved in an argument with her boyfriend, Gore. During the argument, she advised that Gore got “very angry” and placed both his hands around her neck. He then allegedly proceeded to push her against the wall near the bathroom.
While the victim was being strangled, she stated that she was unable to breathe. She advised that a relative witnessed the incident and yelled at Gore to let her go. When Gore released his grip on the victim’s neck, she stated that he punched her on the left cheek.
After the incident, the victim stated that Gore left the hotel room.
The officer noted in the report that the victim’s left cheek was slightly red and swollen. No bruising or redness was observed on the victim’s neck.
The officer made contact with the witness who advised that the victim and Gore were “arguing loudly.” The witness stated that the altercation began to get physical, and the witness got out of bed and walked towards the bathroom.
The witness told the officer that Gore had both of his hands around the victim’s neck, and the victim appeared to be standing on her toes while up against the wall. Once the witness intervened and told Gore to leave, he released his grip and then punched the victim.
The officer made contact with Gore. After being read his Miranda rights, Gore stated that he had gotten angry when the victim called his mother an expletive. He admitted that he grabbed the victim by her neck and pushed her against the wall.
According to the OPD report, Gore initially denied striking the victim. When the officer told him that it was okay to tell the truth, Gore admitted that he punched the victim.
Gore was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $2,000 bond. He is facing a felony charge for committing domestic battery by strangulation.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14, according to jail records.