HOLT — A 50-year-old Holt man is accused of hitting a woman during an argument.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies were called for a disturbance Nov. 12, according to the arrest report. A “third-party eyewitness” reported that James Arlies Simmons had been arguing with a woman over taking the witness to the hospital.
Simmons pushed the woman “with an open hand to the back of her head” before striking her with a closed fist, the report said. The witness tried to intervene, but allegedly was struck with Simmons’ elbow.
The witness called 911 for help, but Simmons took her phone away and told the dispatcher it was a medical issue and everything was “all right,” according to the report. He then left the home with the phone, preventing them from speaking to law enforcement.
He returned to the home later, but denied striking the victim, the report said.
He is charged with battery as a second or subsequent offense and obstructing justice in a misdemeanor proceeding.
His next scheduled court date is Dec. 16.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office: Man hit woman during argument