A 63-year-old Ocala man was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after he was accused of attacking a man with a golf club.
On Friday, February 3, an MCSO deputy responded to a local residence in reference to a physical altercation. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the male victim who advised that he was battered by Michael Leroy Dougherty, according to the MCSO report.
The victim told the deputy that Dougherty had come home earlier in the evening after being dropped off by an Uber driver. According to the victim, Dougherty was upset and intoxicated, and the victim attempted to give him a beer to “calm him down.”
The victim advised that Dougherty became “highly confrontational” and a verbal altercation ensued. During the argument, the victim claimed that Dougherty grabbed a black golf club and began to strike him repeatedly in the face.
During the alleged attack, the victim stated that he was knocked to the ground by Dougherty. While on the ground, the victim claimed that Dougherty repeatedly struck his back with the golf club, according to the MCSO report.
The deputy noted in the report that the victim’s mouth was covered in blood and multiple red marks were visible on his face. On the victim’s back, the deputy also observed multiple large red welts that were consistent with the diameter of a golf club.
The MCSO report stated that several deputies were at the incident location and entered the residence in an attempt to locate Dougherty, though they were unable to find him. A lieutenant arrived at the home and observed Dougherty walking around the side of the residence. He was carrying a large bag with personal items and a black golf club that matched the one that the victim had described.
After being read his Miranda rights, Dougherty told investigators that the victim was the one who had come home intoxicated and started the altercation. He claimed that he had to protect himself because he thought he was “going to be killed,” according to the MCSO report.
The report further stated that Dougherty was unable to give a valid reason as to why he needed to protect himself. Dougherty continued to state that he had to protect himself and he thanked law enforcement for getting him away from the residence. Investigators did not observe any physical injuries or markings on him.
Dougherty was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $5,000 bond. He is facing a felony charge for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, according to jail records.