A Leesburg man was arrested after he reportedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home and fought with a juvenile resident.
Police responded around 7 a.m. Friday to a report of a burglary and battery that had just occurred at a residence on Lake Griffin Road in Lady Lake. The first victim said her former boyfriend, 40-year-old Ernest Liam Gonzalez, had entered her home that morning uninvited, possibly using a front door key he stole several months ago, according to the arrest report from the Lady Lake Police Department.
The victim said she and Gonzalez have been separated for several months and he didn’t live with her. She said she awoke to Gonzalez standing over her while she slept in her bedroom. She said she immediately asked him to leave, which he refused to do. The victim said she had her cell phone in her hand and was going to call law enforcement before Gonzalez snatched it away, preventing her from making the call, the report said.
The victim said an argument ensued, leading to Gonzalez pushing his way through the bedroom door and heading into the common areas of the house. A juvenile male told the officer he was awakened by the shouting and yelled at Gonzalez to leave. He said when Gonzalez refused, they got into a pushing match that resulted in Gonzalez grabbing the victim’s shoulder, throwing him backwards and starting to punch him, according to the report.
The juvenile victim said he started punching back in self-defense. He said as the pair scuffled towards the front door, Gonzalez punched him in the side, which gave the victim a chance to grab him by the legs. Both parties fell through the front door, with Gonzalez landing outside the residence and the victim caught inside the door frame with his abdomen facing the ground and the window on his back. The victim said Gonzalez started pulling his hair for several seconds before leaving southbound on foot, the report said.
The juvenile victim said he was fearful for his safety every time Gonzalez was present. Police observed multiple minor injuries on the victim, who declined medical attention, according to the report.
At around 8:36 p.m. Friday, an officer saw Gonzalez walking around U.S. Highway 27/441 at East Lakeview. Gonzalez told the officer he had been at the residence that morning and had used a key to get in. He said he was invited to the residence. He also said the juvenile victim tackled him through the door and he did not put his hands on him because he is a child, the report said.
The officer observed several superficial injuries on Gonzalez and described him as being uncooperative during the interview, according to the report.
Gonzalez was charged with burglary with battery, intimidate/threat with deprived use of 911, and child abuse without great bodily harm. He remained uncooperative with law enforcement as he was transported to the Lake County Jail, where his bond was set at $34,000.
