Water Works: Elderly Man Doused in Parking Lot Tussle
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office had a splashy encounter on August 6, 2024, when a simple parking dispute turned into a waterlogged altercation.
Deputy J. Felty responded to a call at 5401 E Silver Springs Blvd, where a verbal disturbance was reported. Upon arrival, the deputy found Edward Arduengo, 77, with a wet shirt and a tale to tell. According to Arduengo, Megan Barnette, the defendant, launched a liquid assault after he asked her to move her vehicle.
Arduengo, who was trying to park at his residence, found himself in a verbal clash with Barnette. The dispute escalated when Barnette allegedly pointed a finger and unleashed explicit language at Arduengo. The situation took a wet turn when Barnette reportedly threw an unknown substance at the elderly man, leaving his shirt damp.
Barnette defended her actions, claiming the altercation was merely verbal and sparked by Arduengo revving his engine at her grandmother. However, after being read her Miranda rights, Barnette confessed to dousing Arduengo with water from a bottle she had on hand.
The victim, who did not leave his vehicle during the altercation, was transported to Silver Springs ER complaining of chest pain. Meanwhile, Barnette was taken to the Marion County Jail without further incident.
Arduengo, now resting at the Silver Springs RV Park Manor, can only hope future disputes remain dry.
