“I Should’ve Walked Away,” Gainesville Man Faces Charges for Felony Battery and False Imprisonment

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers arrested Christian Gabriel Peck, 35, Thursday night on three felony charges, one for false imprisonment and two for domestic battery.

The arrest report indicates the incident occurred on Tuesday, but police didn’t receive a report until two days later.

According to the arrest report, Peck and the victim were arguing about work schedules. Peck reportedly began yelling and throwing objects before escalating into physically pushing the victim and forcing her against a counter before choking her to the point she felt like she could pass out.

The arrest report states Peck let go, and the victim began slapping him in self-defense before grabbing her car keys and phone and attempting to leave; however, Peck snatched both items out of her hands. The victim continued trying to leave, and Peck reportedly stepped in front of the door and pushed her away from it.

The victim told police this is the first time Peck has put hands on her.

After being detained, Peck reportedly told officers he “attempted to grab the collar of the victim’s shirt” and he “may have missed.” Peck reportedly admitted to pushing the victim against the counter but denied choking her.

GPD Officer Michael Latulipe reported, “[Peck] also stated that the victim started the incident by throwing glasses on the ground and towards him and that the victim was mocking him prior to the incident. [Peck] said he had photos of broken glass on the floor, but none of the victim while she was throwing the glasses. Due to the lack of proof of the victim throwing the glasses at [Peck], and the lack of injuries on [Peck], I do not believe this was the case.”

The victim showed Latulipe text messages where Peck acknowledged the incident, stating, "I never never should have done that. I should've walked away. I’m ashamed and angry at myself.”

The arrest report appears to say that Peck claimed the text was somehow out of context.

Peck sent the victim “numerous text messages and made numerous attempts at phone calls… including texts on meeting up after work but allowing a friend of the victim to be present if [she] would feel safer,” the arrest report states.

Police observed injuries on the victim that were consistent with being pushed into a counter and choked.

The Alachua County Jail is holding Peck on a $150,000 bond.