A 41-year-old Dunnellon man was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after a woman accused him of attacking her and threatening her with a switchblade during an argument that turned physical.
On Monday, an MCSO deputy responded to a local residence in reference to a battery incident. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the female victim who advised that she had been involved in a physical altercation with Jason Ryan Mandalfino, according to the arrest report.
Prior to the incident, the victim stated that Mandalfino had returned home and was “upset and intoxicated.” She advised that Mandalfino began arguing with her, and he allegedly grabbed her right arm and twisted it while pulling on her left arm, according to the MCSO report.
The victim told the deputy that Mandalfino headbutted her multiple times during the altercation. She also alleged that Mandalfino held a red switchblade to her neck and told her that he would “kill her” if she contacted law enforcement.
During the fight, the victim stated that she “pushed Mandalfino down.” She then advised that she ran to a neighbor’s home to call 911 because Mandalfino had taken her cellphone earlier in the day and removed the battery from her vehicle, according to the MCSO report.
The deputy noted in the report that the victim had large red swelling on the left side of her forehead. Blood was observed on her scalp along with a scratch on the left side of her neck. In addition, she had bruising along the left side of her face, multiple scratches on both arms, and two large bruises on her right upper arm.
The victim told the deputy that she was feeling dizzy, and paramedics transported her to a local hospital for treatment of the swelling on her forehead.
While the deputy was speaking with the victim, neighbors advised that Mandalfino was attempting to leave the incident location. A patrol car was used to block Mandalfino’s vehicle before it could exit the driveway, and he was detained by several deputies, according to the MCSO report.
After being read his Miranda rights, Mandalfino claimed that the victim was “crazy” and had started hitting him first. He further claimed that the victim had struck herself on the head and “pulled a butter knife on him” during the altercation.
The deputy noted in the report that Mandalfino had scratches on the right side of his face and marks on his knuckles. Mandalfino advised that his hands were dirty from work, and the deputy noted that alcohol could be smelled on his breath.
A criminal history search of Mandalfino revealed that he has a prior conviction for domestic battery.
Mandalfino was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $7,000 bond. He is facing felony charges for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and hindering, delaying, or preventing the communication to a law enforcement officer of information relating to the commission or possible commission of an offense.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, according to jail records.