A man was arrested after battering a woman who tried to leave their residence on Monday in Belleview.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence located on SE 119th St. in reference to a disturbance, according to an arrest report. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim who advised she and 43-year-old Terry Ray Bennett had a verbal argument over finances. The argument turned physical when Bennett blocked her, grabbed her by the arms and threw her on the couch as she attempted to leave the residence. The victim struggled to get away from Bennett and the two began to wrestle when she pushed him back. Deputies observed a small laceration to the victim’s right forearm and a small scratch on her neck.
Deputies then made contact with Bennett who stated that when the victim attempted to leave the residence after the verbal argument, he attempted to hug and console her to keep her from leaving. Bennett said he did not strike her, however, the victim resisted and scratched him. Deputies observed small scratches on Bennett’s left hand, chest and neck.
Deputies spoke with the eyewitness who reported the incident after hearing the two argue and loud banging coming from their apartment. She stated she heard the victim knock on the shared wall between the apartments, asking for someone to call for 911. After the eyewitness called 911, she walked out of her apartment and saw Bennett push the victim near their front door. Another witness told deputies that she heard the argument and saw Bennett punch the victim on the right side of the face.
Bennett was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail.
