A 39-year-old Marion County man with a prior battery conviction was arrested after he allegedly kicked his girlfriend, shoved her to the ground, and punched her several times.

On Saturday, September 6, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporal responded to a residence on NW 35th Street in Ocala in reference to a battery incident. A female victim claimed that her live-in boyfriend, Mark Thomas Abney, had attacked her, according to the arrest report.  

The corporal made contact with the victim, who was “visibly distraught” and had “dirt and debris on her face, arms, and legs.” The report stated that the victim also had a “fresh injury” on the right side of her neck.

According to the victim’s statement, her boyfriend, Abney, was “agitated” and “not acting normally” on Saturday morning. She stated that she briefly exited their residence and returned to find that Abney had “destroyed some items and left.”

The victim stated that she drove away from the home in her vehicle, and she soon spotted Abney walking down the road. He was allegedly carrying some of his belongings, which included clothing.

When the victim stopped her vehicle next to Abney, he allegedly began yelling at her. According to the report, the victim attempted to convince Abney to enter the vehicle, but he allegedly told her to “pick up his clothes,” which were on the ground.

When the victim bent over to pick up the clothes, Abney allegedly kicked her and then pushed her to the ground. The corporal noted that the victim’s right elbow appeared to have been recently scraped, which was consistent with her statement of being pushed.

The victim further alleged that while she was on the ground, Abney “began to punch her several times in her head.” He then allegedly grabbed her, causing her shirt to rip.

A witness contacted MCSO and reported a physical altercation involving a man and woman that corroborated the victim’s statement. The witness further stated that it “looked as if the (victim) could not defend herself.”

The report mentioned that the victim had a fresh bruise on the right side of her neck, along with redness and swelling near her left jaw. The victim told the corporal that during the incident, Abney also “bit her on top of her head.”

The corporal made contact with Abney and detained him. After being read his Miranda rights, Abney denied striking the victim, though he was unable to explain how the victim had sustained her injuries, according to the report.

A criminal history search of Abney revealed that in March of 2009, he was adjudicated guilty for battery in Marion County.

Abney was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail. While en route to the facility, Abney allegedly told the corporal, “I should have beat her (expletive) head in if y’all were going to arrest me any (expletive) way.”

Upon arrival, Abney was booked into the jail, and he was released the following day after posting bond. He is being charged with battery (second or subsequent offense), which is a felony.

Jail records show that Abney is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7.