WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Ponce De Leon man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly attacking a pregnant woman in what deputies described as a violent physical assault, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).
The WCSO said the incident occurred on November 11, just after 1 p.m., when deputies responded to a report of a physical disturbance on County Highway 183 S.
When deputies arrived, they located the suspect, Lance Diamond Johnson, 28, along with the victim just north of the address where the call was said to have originated.
According to a witness, the altercation began when a child heard yelling outside and alerted his mother. From her kitchen window, the witness reportedly observed Mr Johnson forcefully attempting to place the victim onto a moped.
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The witness reported Johnson pushing the victim to the ground, grabbing her, and striking her repeatedly in the face.
Deputies spoke with the victim, who stated that Mr Johnson wanted her to pull him behind a motorcycle on a wagon. The WCSO said the situation escalated when he took the motorcycle from her and attempted to force her to ride it.
The victim reported that Mr Johnson struck her multiple times in the face and thigh, choked her, and “fishhooked” her by placing his fingers into her mouth.
Deputies documented significant injuries, including red scratches on her arms and legs, multiple abrasions around her neck, swelling and discoloration around both eyes, and a laceration inside her mouth. The WCSO stated the injuries were consistent with the accounts provided.
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During the detention of Johnson, deputies said they observed a needle cap on the floorboard of the patrol vehicle. A search reportedly located a small, clear pink bag containing a white powdery substance in the loop of the seatbelt. The substance was submitted for laboratory testing.
The WCSO said the victim is pregnant and that Mr Johnson knew of the pregnancy at the time of the incident.
Johnson was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant victim and driving with a suspended license. Additional charges may be forthcoming, according to the agency.
He was transported to the Walton County Jail and given a $6,000 bond. The WCSO said he remained incarcerated at the time of the release.
