A Leesburg man sought for beating up a man and stealing his money last month was arrested in Eustis late Saturday night.
Dominique Marquis Simpson, 29, was charged with battery by strangulation, aggravated battery with deadly weapon, and grand theft (less than $5,000) for an incident that occurred June 27 in Mount Dora, according to an affidavit of probable cause out of Lake County.
The male victim told a Mount Dora police officer he was inside an apartment “hanging out” with a male companion before the incident. He said he was sitting in the living room and counting money when he decided to step outside to smoke a cigar, the affidavit said.
The victim said while he was smoking, a white Cadillac pulled up and Simpson approached him brandishing a black handgun and demanding the victim “give him the money.” The victim told Simpson he had no money, and Simpson responded by grabbing the victim by the neck to obstruct his airflow and again demanded money. The victim repeated that he had none, the affidavit said.
The victim said Simpson told him several times, “Don’t make me do this.” He said Simpson showed him the gun and struck him in the face with it, causing lacerations under his right eye and bridge of his nose. While the two were engaged in a physical altercation, the victim’s companion approached and struck him in the face and head to get him to surrender the money that the two were counting inside of the home, the affidavit said.
Simpson dragged the victim back to his apartment and again demanded “the money,” which the victim again denied having. The victim observed a backpack on the floor, at which point he opened it and retrieved the cash. There was about $940 in the backpack and Simpson grabbed it all, the affidavit said.
While Simpson and the other man were focused on the money, the victim seized the opportunity to flee the apartment. He ran and crossed a hedge that led to a substantial drainage ditch. He was able to conceal himself without being seen because of the darkness, the affidavit said.
The victim tried to call 911 several times but couldn’t get through because of weak cell service. He waited until his assailants were gone before returning to his apartment, where he spoke with a neighbor who drove him to his mother’s residence. The victim’s mother brought him back to the apartment complex so he could contact Mount Dora police, the affidavit said.
When EMS initially arrived on, the victim declined treatment for his facial injuries and asked for a Band-Aid. Later, he said he was lightheaded and wanted to be evaluated again by EMS. He decided it was in his best interest to seek medical attention for the injuries to his face, the affidavit said.
Eustis police arrested Simpson at 11:27 p.m. Saturday and transported him to the Lake County Jail. He was released after posting $13,000 bond.
