A Leesburg man was arrested after he allegedly strangled and pointed a gun at his estranged girlfriend, and then took her phone to keep her from calling law enforcement.
Adrian J. Perez, 25, of 101 N. Chester St., was charged with battery by strangulation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and obstructing justice by tampering in a felony proceeding.
A Leesburg police officer met with the victim early Friday at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital in Clermont, which is where her mother took her after the incident. She had multiple contusions and abrasions on her left bicep, the upper left area of her chest, the upper right area of her back, and on her right thigh. She also had two approximately one-inch contusions on her neck, according to the police report.
The victim told the officer she was in an argument with Perez after ending their romantic relationship. She said while she was trying to leave the residence where they previously shared, Perez told her the relationship wasn’t over, stood in the doorway, and prevented her from leaving. The victim said she tried to maneuver past Perez, but he grabbed her by the arms with both hands, keeping her from moving, the report said.
The victim said she pushed Perez backwards to break away from his grip. He then placed both hands on her throat and pushed her against the living room wall. The victim said her breathing was restricted and she couldn’t breathe when he had her by the throat. She said she tried to push Perez to get away from him but was unable to do so. She said Perez then released her and said she was allowed to leave, the report said.
The victim said Perez became upset again while she was leaving the residence. He approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her neck in a chokehold that restricted her breathing. The victim said Perez told her she wasn’t allowed to leave but released her from his grip, according to the report.
The victim then saw Perez’s handgun on the end of their bed and tried to retrieve it, but Perez mounted her and pried the gun from her grasp. He then pulled the slide of the handgun, placing a round in the chamber. Perez then pointed the gun at the victim and said, “If you wanted to grab it, then shoot it right like I can.” The victim said she was in fear for her live, the report said.
The victim separated herself from Perez, got her cell phone and asked Perez to let her leave. Perez agreed to let her go, but while she was walking away, he grabbed her by the throat and they both fell to the ground. The victim said she got away and told Perez if he didn’t let her leave, she was going to call law enforcement. She said Perez grabbed the phone from her hand and threw it against the wall, making it inoperable, according to the report.
The victim said Perez became upset with her when he saw a mirror broke during the altercation. He asked her to leave the residence and she went to her mother’s house. The victim said she and her mother then went to the hospital, the report said.
Perez was arrested at his home and taken to the Lake County Jail, where he was released Saturday on $5,500 bond. Perez is scheduled to appear in Lake County Court on Aug. 22.
