Ocala, Florida — A 21-year-old man is still being held without bond after he struck a pregnant woman in the face.
According to the Ocala Police Department, Eric McCray Jr., the live-in boyfriend of the victim, was being verbally abusive to a small child in the home.
Police say the victim confronted McCray and told him that he did not have the right to speak to a child that way.
McCray then became angry, grabbed the victim by the throat, and began choking her.
The victim stated that when she told McCray to let her go, he punched her in the mouth with a closed fist. The victim, who is pregnant, then fell to the floor. The impact of the punch “busted” her bottom lip.
McCray then fled the residence on foot.
According to reports, McCray was aware that the victim was pregnant.
While police were at the scene, the victim began to have lower back pain and was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries.
McCray was located and arrested. He was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Victim.
He has previous arrests for Battery, DUI, Driving without a License, and Resisting Arrest.
There were two other minor children present during the altercation.