GIFFORD — A 28-year-old man suspected of pulling a 9 mm handgun out of a bible before beating another man with the weapon, was arrested Friday, authorities said.
The man – identified as Jerard Ross – threatened to kill the victim, reports show.
Deputies arrested Ross, of the 4800 block of 35th Avenue, Gifford, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest without violence. Ross was released Saturday from the Indian River County Jail on $21,000 bond.
Indian River County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of exhibition of a weapon about 11:30 p.m. Friday in the 4800 block of 33rd Avenue. Deputies spoke with the victim, a mechanic, who said he fixes equipment at Ross’ property.
The victim, who appeared to have a bruise to his head, said he and Ross had gotten into an argument earlier over the victim’s work. Ross then got angry, pulled out a handgun from a green bible and struck the victim in the face, reports show.
The arrest report did not state if the bible was hollowed out.
Ross then hit the victim in the groin area with the firearm. The victim told deputies he was in fear for his life because Ross knew where he lived, reports show.
Deputies spoke with Ross at his home, where he denied the allegations. Ross told deputies his brother had the gun and that he doesn’t walk with the firearm unless “the block is hot,” reports show.
Deputies arrested Ross and took him to the county jail. Ross has an arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 31, court records show.
