A 43-year-old Silver Springs man is facing a felony battery charge after he was accused of repeatedly punching an elderly man during an argument over items that were missing.
On Tuesday, September 12, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporal responded to the 16000 block of NE 57th Place in reference to a battery incident involving an elderly victim. Upon arrival, the corporal made contact with the victim who advised that he had been in an argument with Johnny David Head, according to the arrest report.
The victim stated that the argument was over a few items that Head had allegedly stolen. According to the victim’s statement, he “came up behind” Head and yelled for him to get off the victim’s property. Head then allegedly turned around and punched the victim in the face “approximately 15 times.”
During the alleged attack, the victim advised that he did not hit Head. The corporal noted in the report that the victim had cuts on his nose, left arm, and above his right eye that were “consistent with being punched.”
After the incident, the victim advised that Head left the area on a bicycle prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
The report stated that an eyewitness overheard the argument between Head and the victim. According to the eyewitness, Head repeatedly punched the victim during the incident, and the victim did not punch him back. The corporal noted that the eyewitness later advised that the victim had “instigated” the argument, but the eyewitness reiterated that the victim never struck Head.
A few days later, on September 15, a neighbor contacted the sheriff’s office to advise that Head had been observed leaving his residence on a bicycle. An MCSO corporal responded to the area and observed Head riding a bicycle near the 18200 block of E Highway 40. A traffic stop was conducted, and Head was detained in handcuffs, according to the report.
A clear glass pipe was located in Head’s pocket, and the report stated that it was covered in a white residue that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
After being read his Miranda rights, Head refused to discuss the incident with law enforcement.
Head was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $6,000 bond. He is being charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 years of age or older (felony) and possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).
Head is scheduled to appear in court at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27 regarding the misdemeanor charge. A court date has also been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17 in connection with the felony battery charge.