Marianna, Fla. (WDNews) — A Marianna man is facing multiple charges after police say a woman was assaulted and had her phone taken to prevent her from calling for help.
According to the Marianna Police Department, officers were flagged down Sunday, April 19, near the intersection of Jefferson Street and Lafayette Street. Officers reported seeing visible injuries to the victim’s face when they arrived.
The victim told police she had been physically battered by 42-year-old Michael Lawrence around midnight. She also reported that Lawrence took her cell phone to keep her from contacting law enforcement.
Authorities said the victim was taken to Jackson Hospital for treatment.
Later that afternoon, officers located Lawrence in the parking lot of Grocery Outlet. During the encounter, police said he was found with the victim’s cell phone.
Investigators also noted that the tread pattern on Lawrence’s shoes matched impressions observed on the victim’s face, according to the report.
Lawrence was taken into custody and charged with battery with prior convictions, grand theft between $750 and $5,000 with prior convictions, and depriving a victim of 911 access.
Police said the stolen phone was recovered and returned to the victim. Lawrence was booked into the Jackson County Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending his first court appearance.
