A Florida woman is accused of battery against another woman, taking off in the victim’s vehicle, and evading officers before she was eventually tracked down at a hotel.
The Groveland Police Department identified the battery suspect as 33-year-old Calresha Demmons. Police say that officers received reports of a battery that occurred near American Way in Groveland on Oct. 7 around 10 a.m.
Officers arrived at the scene, where they found the victim of the battery in need of medical attention. She was transported to a hospital for treatment, while Demmons allegedly fled the area in the victim’s vehicle.
Police say Demmons would eventually abandon the vehicle nearby and continue to flee on foot. Officers from Groveland and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office began searching for her, eventually tracking her to a Days Inn hotel.
Law Enforcement Gets Some Help
Groveland police say officers searched the hotel with drone operators and a Lake County Sheriff’s Office K-9.
Officers made several announcements requesting that Demmons surrender. She eventually gave herself up and was taken into custody without further incident, according to the department.
The police department credited Charlie shift officers and the Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, for helping locate Demmons.
Five Charges Reported
Groveland police say Demmons was charged with aggravated battery, simple battery, burglary, resisting an officer without violence, and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
An attempt to locate Demmons’ booking information was unsuccessful, so we couldn’t independently verify her booking time, bond amount, or court date.
Florida Statute 784.045 describes aggravated battery as a second-degree felony. If convicted, the defendant could face a fine of up to $10,000 and 15 years in prison. The offense occurs when someone intentionally causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement.
Simple battery in Florida is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statute 784.03. If convicted, the defendant could face a fine up to $1,000 and one year in jail. Resisting an officer without violence is also a first-degree misdemeanor and carries the same penalties.
Under Florida Statute 812.014, grand theft of a motor vehicle is classified as a third-degree felony. It can carry a prison sentence of up to five years and a $5,000 fine. The potential penalty for the burglary charge depends on the circumstances and the degree charged, which the police release does not specify.
Demmons is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.