Police: New charges for man who held woman captive
DELAND, Fla. (AP) - Florida authorities say a woman who was beaten and held captive for two days at gunpoint by her boyfriend escaped when she convinced him bring their dog to an animal hospital - and then slipped a note to a staff member.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office says 39-year-old Jeremy Floyd was arrested at DeLand Animal Hospital. He is being held without bond on domestic violence and other charges.
The report says Floyd beat the woman Wednesday and refused to let her leave their home. Two days later, she convinced Floyd to let her take their dog to a veterinarian, although he wouldn't let her go alone.
The Sheriff's Office on Wednesday added a stalking charge against Floyd, accused of violating pretrial release conditions in this case, specifically the condition prohibiting contact with the victim. The victim reported Floyd contacted her from jail 15 times on Saturday, 17 times on Sunday, and 15 times on Monday.
"A check of the Volusia County Branch Jail phone system confirmed Floyd used his inmate number to call the victim at least 16 times over that timeframe," said Andrew Gant with the Sheriff's Office. "He left a voicemail stating: 'I understand you’re upset with me. I’m sorry, I know you’re upset with me, and I apologize about what I did to you. I’ll make it up to you. I apologize and I love you.'"
Floyd remains held at the Branch Jail on $57,000 bond on his previous charges and no bond allowed on the pre-trial condition violation.