Battery, Strangulation, Child Neglect, Grand Theft, DUI, Smuggling; Gainesville Man Faces Slew of Allegations

Alachua County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Arthur Samuel Lewis, 40, last week and charged him with domestic battery by strangulation, aggravated battery, child neglect, grand theft, larceny, marijuana possession, smuggling marijuana into a detention facility, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a valid license. 

According to the arrest report, deputies arrived at the victim’s residence to find Lewis had fled the scene.

The victim said she and Lewis were in an argument because he sold her dog without her permission. 

During the argument, Lewis reportedly put his hands on the victim's neck and choked her, causing her to pass out. 

The victim had visible redness on her neck and a small laceration on her finger, reportedly from Lewis slamming a door on her hand.

Lewis took the victim’s phone before leaving the scene. She was able to use Find My iPhone to help deputies locate him. 

Deputies pulled over Lewis and found him with his toddler in the car. 

Lewis was placed in a deputy’s patrol car. 

Deputy Skyler Lawson reported that Lewis “does not have a valid driver’s license and is aware that he does not have a valid driver's license.”

Lawson reported that Lewis had “slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes.”

Lewis denied battering the victim and claimed the incident was verbal. He then vomited inside the patrol car. 

Sgt. Madison Telle reportedly asked Lewis why he threw up in the car, and he said he’d consumed alcohol at the victim’s residence.

After being taken to jail, Lewis reportedly told deputies that he had cannabis on him.

Lewis is being held without bond in the Alachua County Jail.