Man charged with battery, child abuse

ARCADIA — Police arrested a man on Wednesday after he allegedly battered a woman and dragged her into an apartment by her throat.

Oswaldo Vega-Gonzalez, 26, was also charged with child abuse for allegedly attacking the woman in the presence of a young child.

Arcadia Police officers responded to a call on the 1300 block of Northeast Oak Street.

A caller said they had seen a man grab a woman by the throat and drag her into a nearby apartment as she tried to leave.

Officers arrived and attempted to speak with Vega-Gonzalez. Since he did not speak English, a translator from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office was dispatched.

Vega-Gonzalez alleged he and the woman had gotten into an argument and she bit his finger, then threatened him with scissors before she left, reports show.

The report noted one of his fingers was swollen, as well as his face being swollen and having a bruise.

A woman later returned to the apartment while officers were there. She initially told officers nothing had happened. However, after being told of Vega-Gonzalez's allegations, she then alleged the argument had happened and he had escalated the situation.

The woman also said she armed herself with scissors to protect herself and that she tried to get out of the apartment.

When she was at the door, she stated, Vega-Gonzalez grabbed her by the throat while she shouted to a neighbor for help. She then bit his finger to make him let go, and then she managed to leave.

She also showed officers a partial video recording of the argument. According to the report, the video showed a young child present during the physical altercation.

Officers stated the woman's injuries were consistent with her statements. Vega-Gonzalez was deemed to be the aggressor and placed under arrest.

Vega-Gonzalez was booked into the DeSoto County Jail on $5,000 bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 12.