Passerby calls for help, leads to arrest on battery charges

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Kyle Aaron Higgins, 27, was arrested early this morning after a passerby heard a woman calling for help, reportedly tried to help her by pulling Higgins off her, and dialed 911.

According to the arrest report, Higgins and the victim were walking northbound at about 4:00 a.m. on SW 23rd Terrace near Archer Road when Higgins allegedly began hitting the victim with his fists. The victim ran and tried to call 911, but Higgins allegedly took her phone (the phone was reportedly found in Higgins’ back pocket when he was arrested).

Higgins allegedly hit the victim in the face with his fists and choked her; she fell to the ground and reported that she felt like she was losing consciousness. Higgins also allegedly bit her. During the struggle, she was able to yell for help.

A witness heard the call for help and ran toward them. The witness reportedly tried to pull Higgins off the victim, and Higgins allegedly reached toward his hip as if he had a gun and asked the witness if he wanted to get shot. At that point, Higgins and the victim got up from the ground and walked away while the witness called police.

Post Miranda, Higgins denied any altercation with the victim. He allegedly later told a Gainesville Police Department officer that he didn’t like the way the officer was holding his arm and that he would pull away if the officer didn’t let go. Higgins allegedly then tried to pull away, and the officer had to request back-up to keep him in custody.

The victim reportedly had facial injuries and was bleeding from the mouth, in addition to bite marks.

Higgins was charged with felony battery and resisting arrest without violence. He is being held on $20,000 bond.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.