AVON PARK, Fla. — A Highlands County Sheriff's civilian support officer was arrested Tuesday for domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, aggravated assault and battery.
Willie Lee English III, 29, is alleged to have had two violent confrontations with his ex-girlfriend leading up to his arrest. Authorities interviewed the victim, who had multiple visible injuries, and say they found probable cause that the confrontations took place.
The victim told authorities on February 18 English punched her and threatened her with a firearm. She was at English's home to discuss their child, according to authorities.
The next morning, the victim went back to his home to drop their child off. She told authorities during this confrontation English dragged her inside, struck her multiple times and threw her to the floor. She also said he bit her and placed his hands around her throat, according to authorities.
She told authorities the attacked lasted more than 10 minutes and, during that time, English wouldn't let her leave the home.
English was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, aggravated assault and battery. His bond was set at $35,000 during his first appearance on Wednesday.
“We take any allegations of domestic violence, no matter who is involved, very seriously,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “Mr. English has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.”
