A 39-year-old Ocklawaha man was arrested after a woman with severe facial injuries accused him of battering her with a flashlight.
On Sunday, June 25, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to the Taco Bell located at 7610 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala in reference to a battery incident. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with a woman who was in a “hysterical state,” and she advised that William Buford Lounsberry had battered her while they were in his vehicle.
The deputy noted in the report that the victim’s eyes were swollen to the point that she could barely open them, and her lips were also bloody.
The victim advised that she had met Lounsberry at C&D Coliseum located at 2490 SE 58th Avenue in Ocala, and she had picked up food for them to eat together. Shortly after she entered Lounsberry’s vehicle, she stated that he “confronted her” and then “brutally beat her” with his hand and a flashlight that he was holding during the incident, according to the MCSO report.
The victim told the deputy that Lounsberry began driving eastbound on SE Maricamp Road while he continued to batter her. When they arrived at the traffic light at the intersection of Maricamp Road and Baseline Road, the victim stated that she attempted to get out of the vehicle, and Lounsberry grabbed her hair to prevent her from escaping, according to the victim’s statement in the report.
The deputy noted in the report that bald spots were visible on the victim’s head. She advised that the bald spots were caused when she tried to escape the vehicle while Lounsberry was holding her hair.
The victim told the deputy that Lounsberry started driving again on Maricamp Road, and she “kicked the transmission shifter” when the vehicle was near the Taco Bell fast-food restaurant. She advised that the vehicle came to a stop, and she was able to escape. Moments later, she made contact with several Taco Bell employees, and she was able to call 911.
After speaking with the deputy, the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Additional deputies responded to the area and were able to locate Lounsberry’s vehicle. The MCSO report stated that the victim’s blood was observed on the passenger side door, and a flashlight was also found inside the vehicle, which corroborated the victim’s statement.
Deputies searched the area where Lounsberry’s vehicle was located, and he was found lying on the ground next to another vehicle in an attempt to evade detection by law enforcement. After being read his Miranda rights, Lounsberry refused to answer any questions.
Lounsberry was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $35,000 bond. He is facing felony charges for aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability and false imprisonment of an adult, along with a misdemeanor charge for battery.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, according to jail records.