A dispute over a phone bill and an aggressive dog reportedly escalated into an armed confrontation on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of a 56-year-old Marion County woman.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a local residence on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 30, regarding a domestic disturbance. A witness reported that a woman, Valerie Ann Wood-Guardia, had pointed a firearm at a male victim while threatening to kill him and his dog, according to the arrest report.
The victim told deputies that he was on the back porch, talking on the phone with his sister, when Wood-Guardia came outside and allegedly pointed a gun at him. The sister, who was on the line trying to help pay the victim’s phone bill, told law enforcement that she heard the victim state that Wood-Guardia “has a gun.”
According to the sister, Wood-Guardia was allegedly yelling in the background during the incident, threatening to kill the dog and victim.
When questioned by an MCSO corporal, Wood-Guardia initially claimed she had been sleeping and that nothing had happened. However, after being advised of her Miranda rights, Wood-Guardia allegedly admitted to arguing with the victim over the unpaid phone bill and his aggressive dog.
Wood-Guardia reportedly told investigators that she went outside with a revolver tucked under her arm, but she denied pointing it at the victim or threatening him. She did admit to threatening to shoot the dog if it attacked her, according to the report.
The corporal noted in the report that the victim’s phone log confirmed that he was on a call with his sister immediately before law enforcement was contacted. The report further mentioned that a firearm was found at the incident location, which matched the exact description provided by the victim.
Wood-Guardia was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail. She is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, which is a felony.
As of Thursday, July 2, a booking photo of Wood-Guardia is not yet available.