INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 37-year-old man who deputies said choked a woman before chasing her with a knife, was detained Thursday.
The woman’s brother was asleep when he woke up to sounds of the woman screaming, reports show. The brother was able to tackle suspect Vernon A. Chambliss II, who charged at the woman with the weapon, officials said.
Vernon Chambliss
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Deputies arrested Chambliss, of the 5000 block of 32nd Court, Vero Beach, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. Chambliss was released Thursday from the Indian River County Jail on $11,000 bond.
Indian River County deputies responded to a disturbance about midnight Thursday at a residence. The woman told deputies Chambliss came to the home earlier saying he needed his work boots.
The two were in the bedroom when they began to argue for an unknown reason. The woman said she was lying on the bed when Chambliss pinned her down and placed both of his hands around her neck, reports show.
The woman was able to free herself by kicking Chambliss, who released his grip, deputies said. The woman ran out of the bedroom and screamed for help, reports show.
The commotion woke up the woman’s brother and another woman who was also at the home. When the other woman called 911, Chambliss said, “Y’all sending me to jail? I might as well go to jail for something,” reports show.
Deputies said Chambliss pulled out a pocket knife and ran toward the woman. When the woman’s brother tackled and disarmed Chambliss, Chambliss ran out of the residence, reports show.
Deputies found Chambliss walking nearby. Chambliss told deputies he did not physically abuse the woman, reports show.
Deputies arrested Chambliss and took him to the county jail. Chambliss has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 7, 2020, court records show.
