INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An Indian River County man wound up at the hospital after struggling with deputies who responded to his home on a domestic violence call.
Arthur James Harris Jr., 73, of the 1100 block of 11th St. SW, Vero Beach, has since been released from the county jail. He faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer as well as domestic violence battery, according to the arrest report.
He was released on $10,500 bond.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Harris’ live-in girlfriend called authorities after he struck her in the face, causing her lip to swell. When deputies arrived at the home, Harris approached the door while holding a handgun. Upon seeing the officers, Harris ran into the home. They later found the gun in a pile of laundry, the report states.
Harris then rushed one of the deputies in an aggressive manner, according to the report, and did not follow orders to leave the house or to put his hands behind his back. Instead, the report states, Harris engaged in a physical altercation with the deputy, punching the deputy several times in the head and face before the deputy and another on scene were able to restrain him.
The woman told deputies that Harris had not been himself lately and that she did not know why he attacked the deputies. Harris later told authorities that the handgun was a “bluff to get her (the girlfriend) to shut her mouth.” He explained that she would not leave him alone and that he’d had enough, the report states.
After being medically cleared at the emergency room, Harris was booked into the county jail, where he was later released.
