Gainesville, FL – A Gainesville man was arrested Monday night after deputies say he battered an elderly victim inside a local residence, prompting a witness to intervene and call 911.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded during the evening hours Monday to a report of suspicious activity at a home in the 6900 block of NW 44th Place. When deputies arrived, they made contact with the victim and a witness who described a violent encounter inside the residence.
Authorities say the witness reported hearing a scream from inside the home and then observed 36-year-old Christopher De Padua allegedly dragging the elderly victim by their neck back into the house. The witness ran outside to help while another nearby individual called 911.
Deputies said the victim provided a corroborating statement at the scene. Law enforcement also confirmed through their investigation that De Padua allegedly has an aggressive history.
De Padua reportedly left the scene before deputies arrived. However, according to authorities, the victim later contacted law enforcement the same day to report that De Padua had returned to the residence.
Deputies responded back to the home and made contact with De Padua, who surrendered without incident and was taken into custody.
De Padua was charged with Battery of a Person 65+ Years of Age and False Imprisonment, according to the sheriff’s office. No additional injuries were immediately released, and it was not clear if the victim required medical treatment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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