A Marion County man was arrested early Monday morning after deputies responded to a disturbance at a home on Teak Loop in Ocala. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation led to the arrest of Akili Javonta Jones on a charge of aggravated battery involving a pregnant victim. The affidavit notes that the woman is seven months pregnant and lives at the residence with Jones.
Deputy Ronald Bailey responded around 5 a.m. after neighbors reported hearing yelling outside their home. The witnesses told deputies they saw a man in a highlighter colored shirt arguing with a woman who appeared visibly pregnant. Both witnesses stated they watched the man push and shove her, causing her to fall in the front yard.
When Deputy Bailey spoke with the victim, she was described as uncooperative and said the incident stemmed from an argument about cheating accusations. The affidavit states that the deputy observed dirt on her feet and legs, which matched the witnesses’ account of her being pushed to the ground.
Jones matched the physical description provided by the witnesses and was contacted at the scene. After being read his Miranda rights, Jones declined to speak with deputies. He was taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Jail. Records show he has no prior battery convictions. He was held without bond.
Deputies reported that the victim would be remaining at the residence for the next twenty-four hours. The case has been forwarded to the court for review.
