A Marion County man who was already under court-ordered restrictions for domestic battery on a pregnant woman found himself back in handcuffs early Saturday after an alleged violent spree that ended with a police K9 bringing him down.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a domestic battery call on March 1, where they encountered a battered and bruised Emily Hernandez, who claimed her boyfriend and father of her 4-month-old child, Blake Sherman, had assaulted her in a drunken rage.
Hernandez told deputies that she and Sherman had been drinking at a nearby bar before returning home, where an argument escalated. When she attempted to leave, Sherman allegedly slapped her, kicked her in the head, and hit her with a child’s car seat—twice. At one point, he reportedly dragged her through the house and into the driveway, pulling off her shirt and bra in the process.
Sherman’s brother reportedly attempted to intervene, but the violence continued. Another woman at the scene, Marissa Garcia, said Sherman also attacked her, splitting her lip with a punch.
When deputies arrived, Sherman fled out the back of the property, triggering a manhunt. A perimeter was established, and the sheriff’s K9 unit and Air-1 helicopter were deployed. He was eventually located hiding behind a residence, but after refusing to surrender, K9 Koenn was sent in to assist with his apprehension.
Deputies noted a strong smell of alcohol on Sherman, who declined to give a statement. A records check revealed that he was already under pre-trial conditions from an August 2024 domestic battery case involving Hernandez. Those conditions specifically prohibited him from contacting her or consuming alcohol—two things he seemingly disregarded.
Sherman faces a litany of charges, including domestic battery by strangulation, aggravated battery, resisting arrest, and violating pre-trial conditions. He was taken to Advent Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during his K9-assisted arrest.
