A Ponce De Leon man is behind bars after violently attacking a pregnant woman Tuesday in Walton County.
On November 11th, just after 1 pm, deputies responded to a report of a physical disturbance on County Highway 183 S.
When they arrived, deputies located the suspect, Lance Diamond Johnson, 28, and the victim just north of the address where the call originated.
According to the witness, the altercation began when a brave child heard a man yelling outside and immediately alerted his mother.
From her kitchen window, the witness observed Johnson forcefully attempting to place the victim onto a moped. The witness reported seeing Johnson pushing the victim to the ground, grabbing her, and striking her repeatedly in the face.
Deputies spoke with the victim, who stated that Johnson wanted her to pull him on a wagon behind a motorcycle. The situation escalated when he took the motorcycle from her and attempted to force her to ride it. The victim reported Johnson struck her multiple times in the face and thigh, choked her, and “fishhooked” her by placing his fingers into her mouth.
Deputies documented significant injuries on the victim, including red scratches on her arms and legs, multiple abrasions around her neck, swelling and dark discoloration around both eyes, and a laceration inside her mouth. All of which were consistent with the statements provided.
During the detention of Johnson, deputies observed a needle cap on the floorboard of the patrol vehicle. A search of Johnson revealed a small, clear pink bag containing a white powdery substance located in the loop of the seatbelt. The substance was submitted into evidence for laboratory testing.
Further investigation confirmed the victim is pregnant and that Johnson knew of the pregnancy at the time of the incident.
Johnson was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant victim and driving with a suspended license. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
Johnson was transported to the Walton County Jail and given a $6,000 bond. He remains incarcerated at the time of this release.
